Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The ink has barely dried on the capital budget for 2010-2011. It was just yesterday we passed Bill 6, but I am thinking ahead to the next capital budget and where we should place our emphasis and dollars in the 2011-12 infrastructure budget.
It has been mentioned several times by Members during this sitting and it has been mentioned in previous sessions as well, but it bears repeating. This government, this Assembly, must make it a priority to establish cell phone service in all of our NWT communities.
---Applause
Mr. Menicoche has spoken of the Deh Cho Trail as a possible legacy for this government. Ensuring cell service to the 25 communities who do not currently have it would certainly be a legacy as well.
It will cost approximately $6 million to put cell towers in the 25 communities that need them, but I believe there are many options out there to fund this project. The GNWT can take on the whole cost on its own or the government can share the cost with another organization. The government can put out a request for proposals for the project and see what creative proposals come back.
I recommend that the Cabinet take a look at the process used by the Yukon government. The government can tap into Infrastructure Canada funding to reduce the overall costs. The government can facilitate the project for municipalities or First Nations communities or governments. There is a federal program called First Nations Infrastructure Fund which could fit this project.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT has been fortunate with our applications for Building Canada Fund projects and the federal funding received from those projects. It has allowed this government to accomplish much in partnership with our communities. Rural and remote communities are a focus of this government. We need to narrow that focus and commit to the provision of cell service in the 25 smaller communities who currently lack it. If we start our planning now, we can easily accomplish the job before the 2011 election.
Mr. Speaker, there is a saying which goes, where there is a will, there is a way. I ask, what is the will of this government? I will have questions for the Minister of Finance later on. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Sahtu.
