Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I talked about the impact and effect the high cost of living is having on families in the smaller communities. I also talked a bit about the proposed taxes and how they can also impact their efforts to make a better living for themselves.
I’d like to ask either the Premier or the Minister of Finance if, while looking at options, the Minister or Premier, the Cabinet, has considered the impact of taxing our citizens, as far as retaining those families in the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.
Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated already, we are very clearly aware that there are upsides and downsides. While we may generate some revenue, there are going to be implications and consequences. We are looking very carefully at all the decisions we are going to be making and the suggestions and recommendations we are going to be bringing forward.
We are very sensitive to the issue of the cost of living in small communities. We have set up a committee to in fact address that issue. We do not want to engage in counterproductive exercises here in government. So, yes, we are going to be very careful in measuring how we do this to make sure that at the end of the day the cure is not worse than what ails us.
Prior to even the consultation process, I am assuming there has been some thought given to this. I would like to ask the Minister if Cabinet had examined leaving as much disposable income as possible in the pockets of the citizens, letting the natural economic process of the multiplier effect take place.
Mr. Speaker, that is entirely in keeping with the comment I made earlier. If we can focus on consumption areas and try not to put too heavy a burden on the income of individuals across the board but make it more focused on areas where there are consumption issues, where there are choices, then that would be better.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if Cabinet examined the negative impact on the cost of living and employment of our citizens as far as looking at other jurisdictions to determine whether additional taxing is the way to go.
Mr. Speaker, that’s part and parcel of the work that’s currently underway. We’re going to be bringing forward a package on the next phase of reductions. We’re going to be bringing forward a package that deals with the revenue options, both bringing people into the North and growing the economy, as well as looking at those areas where increased taxes may be advantageous.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
