Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide an update on the status of the $35 million community capacity building fund established by the Government of the Northwest Territories from funding made available by the Government of Canada under the Northern Strategy.

The community capacity building fund provides significant one-time funding to communities to allow them to advance their unique priorities. One of the key features of the fund is that all local governing bodies in a community must agree on priorities before a proposal can be submitted. Starting November 1, 2005, community governments have been able to draw down their allocation any time over three fiscal years. When originally announced by the Government of the Northwest Territories, the deadline for proposals was November 1, 2006, but I am pleased to advise my colleagues that this date has now been

extended to March 31, 2007. This will allow communities who are still working on their proposals to take the time that they need.

At present, communities in the Northwest Territories are at various stages of advancing their community plans and applications for funding. To date, 15 funding proposals have been submitted and 11 communities have received funding totalling close to $11 million.

In reviewing the applications received, it is evident that each community has spent considerable time and energy in the consultation and planning processes to come to consensus and to develop sound funding proposals. The range of projects proposed by communities is impressive. For example, three communities are using the funding to expand community complexes or hamlet offices to include additional services and infrastructure support for various community groups.

Several communities are working on the development of new or enhanced community facilities such as community workshops, commercial cooking facilities, sawmills and cultural and traditional centres. Some communities are making investments in housing projects for seniors, staff and the community, while others are focussing on improved transportation systems such as road construction and upgrades. Several communities are using the funding to develop and support local day care centres and youth centres.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is aware of numerous communities actively finalizing their proposals, but is also aware of a few communities having some difficulty in reaching consensus. In order to address individual community concerns, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has offered to assist communities in the planning and application development process.

I would like to congratulate the 15 communities who have reached consensus and have successfully developed proposals that reflect community priorities. It is evident that the one-time funding will achieve its goal of supporting communities to achieve their priorities, and will leave a lasting legacy that will benefit all residents of NWT communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause