Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to provide Members with an update on the status of the community capacity building fund and to share information on the projects communities have started with assistance from this fund.

Members will recall that the community capacity building fund was established in 2005 with funding provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs administered this $35 million program, which was designed to flow funding directly to communities, to assist them to advance their unique priorities and address capacity building issues on a community-by-community basis.

Mr. Speaker, there were some initial concerns raised by communities who felt that it would be too difficult to reach consensus among local governing bodies on how to spend their share of the money. I am pleased to announce that all 33 communities in the Northwest Territories were able to reach agreements and have submitted their proposals and applications for funding. This success demonstrates that community leaders are able to put aside their political differences and work together for the good of their communities.

The funding is being used to support an impressive range of projects that will enhance the quality of life in communities and I would like to share a few examples. Several communities are setting up to expanding youth centres and day care programs. Many communities, including Aklavik, Fort Simpson, Enterprise, Gameti and Inuvik, have used some of the funding to purchase playground equipment, develop golf courses, or buy sporting equipment for community use. Renovations and expansions are being done to arenas, community offices, curling rinks and sportsplex buildings. Fort Smith has a new swimming pool, and new community offices are being developed in Fort McPherson, Behchoko, Paulatuk, Hay River and Sachs Harbour. Arbours will be built in Aklavik, Jean Marie River and the Hay River Reserve. Many communities are expanding parks and trail systems and putting in street signs.

But not all the money is going to infrastructure. Some communities are supporting staff training and development and scholarship programs. Graveyards are being fenced and cleaned up. School programs and community recreation programs are being enhanced. In partnership with Aurora College, Colville Lake has developed a human resource plan which will provide training to every employable resident in the community, supported by a day care centre and training subsidies.

In reviewing the funding proposals, it is apparent that each community spent a considerable amount of time and effort in developing their priorities, to ensure that projects chosen reflect the unique needs of community residents.

The community capacity building fund will leave a lasting legacy in Northwest Territories communities, in improved infrastructure, in increased community capacity and in enhanced collaborative working relationships among local governing bodies. Beginning next year, Municipal and Community Affairs will work with communities to put together a final report on how the funds were used.

I would like to congratulate all the communities that have successfully developed proposals and are beginning the exciting stage of starting their projects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.