Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am reviewing the priorities I see for this Assembly’s mandates. While time is always short, our end of term, now only 22 months away, looms ever closer.
First, it is clear that we need to take a stand on climate change by setting science-based targets for greenhouse gas reductions and a comprehensive plan to get there. Our energy priorities, biomass and water strategies, the gaps that remain unknown, all will be replaced and revealed in context through a well-integrated plan.
This is challenging and it will change how we do business, but the benefits are many. We have to start now. I will be calling on Ministers for commitments to get this underway. We need progressive action to give people the ability to help themselves. We already know the skills that are needed and are expected to be needed in the near future. Let’s make training to ensure those skills, Aurora College that provide them, and support for people to take advantage of educational opportunities, are a priority.
Where are our management for sustainable communities courses, our renewable energy technician programs, our able-bodied tenants contributing to public housing, Mr. Speaker? We still need greater emphasis on prevention over dealing with the consequences of problems. Early childhood education, staying on top of the leading science for child development during the first years of life and following up with informed programming must be an active focus to ensure the substantial long-term benefits that can result. Benefits can include major progress on addictions, physical and mental health education and social well-being. A review of the Child and Family Services Act and development of an anti-poverty strategy will also yield many returns for our people.
Shifting our focus for mega development to vital mini economies will bring local sustainable and job-intensive development of communities in ways that attack the cost of living, build appropriate skills and form a healthy engagement with our land from which our needs are derived. Non-renewable resource development at larger scales are given and will happen at their own pace through larger corporations known to be good at looking after their own interests. Ongoing oversight with mitigation of impacts on healthy, happy communities and a sustainable environment will ensure northern benefits.
People want every major decision to be viewed through a lens that looks not just at dollars but at how we benefit quality of life and the environment. Mr. Speaker, let’s get it done. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
