Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandate of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre is to expand its operations throughout the Northwest Territories. Annual core program funding from GNWT was established 25 years ago at $30,000 and it has not changed a whit as of today. Today’s board includes members from Inuvik and Hay River as it expands its programs.

We have an incredible body of artists in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker. They contribute much towards healthy communities, but with a modicum of investment such as our neighbour, the Yukon, is doing quite progressively, this contribution could be so much greater. In September, Mr. Speaker, the previous Minister of ECE committed to finding additional core funding to NACC, part of which is to be directed to outreach programs. I urge this government to consider this additional support and confirm it as it is long overdue.

Arts programs such as those provided by NACC help create and empower healthy communities. They build community capacity and community leadership. The arts provide important and imaginative feedback on how our people are doing, what their concerns, difficulties and joys are. They contribute to quality of life, a key factor for retaining northern residents and professionals despite our high cost of living. They celebrate and strengthen diversity of our many northern cultures. The arts are an effective tool to engage youth in healthy and innovative ways.

Community identity and pride are enhanced by the arts and contribute to a collective northern voice. As an appreciator of the environment, I frequently see artists reuse waste materials and turn them back into useful and even stunning creations. Through all of these means and by capturing additional support from businesses and other entities, they contribute significantly to our local and territorial economies.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, I have watched as NACC and its many dedicated volunteers have provided inspiration, support and entertainment for all parts of our society. I have watched youth, elders and women bloom through NACC’s programs, often going on to contribute to the North and even nationally in many ways.

Mr. Speaker, we know what has happened to operational costs over the last few years, let alone the last two or three decades. Let’s give support where it is clearly due. Let’s support the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, its Outreach Program and the amazing services it provides to our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause