Debates of March 18, 2004 (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the beginning of the Third Session of this 15th Assembly I’ve raised, through a Member’s statement, oral questions and the reply to the opening address, the wishes of my people in the riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes and their vision for change. Mr. Speaker, today my Member’s statement is about listening to the people. Members of my community have articulated their frustration upon us simply because they say we are poor listeners. For example, people from the small communities consistently say that the government employees interpret our government policy as a personal tool when dealing with their concerns. Mr. Speaker, I’m convinced that this is most probable in many cases. The government employees aren’t paying attention to what is said to them. What has been stressed to me is that they are sitting there planning their next response.

Mr. Speaker, this could be said about us as politicians. I’ve listened well to my constituents, so when I ask the Premier and his Cabinet to provide definitive answers on our constitutionality when amending procedural format I do wonder if they are listening. Mr. Speaker, we currently function under a federal statute. I’ve listened attentively to the Finance Minister’s budget address where he inferred that many of his difficulties in dealing with the federal government on pages 6 and 7 of the address are well articulated.

Mr. Speaker, this clearly gives us some indication that we have no negotiation powers under the current constitutional powers of the NWT Act other than to be supportive to the federal system that extends right down to the grassroots level. So, Mr. Speaker, I’m asking that this government begin to listen to the people so that deep relationships are built on acceptance, understanding and being a good listener. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause