Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. All week I have been highlighting the differences between small communities like Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution and life in the larger centres. I have talked about the limited resources to medical services, professional counselling, and education and training options, which people in Yellowknife and the towns take for granted. I have talked about the higher rates of suicide and youth crime; the limited resources available to our schools and RCMP detachments; the lack of municipal infrastructure like paved roads and sidewalks, recreation facilities, piped water and sewer services; and the high costs of travel, food and other essentials. It’s a long list, with which small community residents are all too familiar.
I have questioned the Minister of MACA, the Minister of Health and the Premier on what the government is doing to ensure that policies, procedures and funding formulas are small-community friendly. Mr. Speaker, I have asked what the government is doing to address the high cost of living in communities that people cannot afford to live in, that cannot provide programs and services to their residents; and the lack of infrastructure.
Our territory is vast, with 33 unique communities, some in settlement claim areas, some still under negotiation. We have to realize that a cookie-cutter approach made in Yellowknife cannot fit everyone. We are aware that residents, no matter in which community they live, expect quality programs, services and infrastructure, and hope for more from life than just barely making ends meet.
I was pleased to hear yesterday that the Premier is receptive to the idea of a joint committee that will focus on small-community concerns. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this House on this very important initiative.
The cost-of-living issues have been raised time and time again by my constituents. This is a concern for every resident in our smaller communities. Residents are getting frustrated but participate in comprehensive consultation processes, where they unanimously voice their concerns and collectively identify the cost of living as a main concern, yet here we are again, talking about the need to do something about it.
Mr. Speaker, an immediate needs assessment and an effective strategy should be developed and delivered for a real long-term sustainable solution. Later I’ll have questions for the Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
