Mahsi cho. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, with the downturn in our economy it has become crucial that the government put real action into spending its infrastructure dollars. I’m not asking the government to put new money in to our economy or to build up the huge deficit, but to actively spend money that is currently on our books so that opportunities can be afforded to our residents of the Northwest Territories.
The government must do its best to stimulate our slumping economy so northern businesses can go back to work. This will be a huge benefit at the community level.
In the recent federal government announcements millions of infrastructure dollars were earmarked for the Northwest Territories. Our government must take full advantage of this money.
In recent years this government has not spent all of its infrastructure dollars. These dollars need to be spent in order for our North and our people to benefit.
The people of Tu Nedhe are counting on this government to spend the money that was targeted for the communities. Without that spending, the people will be in the poor house. Not to mention if our government does not spend its infrastructure dollars, it will have a very negative impact on the social purse. I repeat with no option but to ask the government for a handout just to put food on the table. Mr. Speaker, later today I will have questions for the Minister responsible for infrastructure departments.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
