Mr. Speaker, the three most important things in the basic cost of living for all our residents are food, energy and housing. This Assembly has made it a priority to address the soaring cost of living. Because our small communities have little economic development, they must be subsidized at increasing costs, with significant implications to our residents and to the GNWT budget. In the budget presented, I see little comprehensive and effective government action to actually address these costs. I want here to suggest a basis on which to move forward on this key issue.
When basic needs are derived from resources that are imported from increasingly remote locations, costs cannot be controlled and rising costs result. Money and economic resources are pipelined out of the community as fast as they comes in and are concentrated in fewer and fewer large corporations without any relationship to the community. Environmental impacts rise and eventually are felt globally. Everyone pays those costs, but few have input into the decisions that could address those impacts. Development of skills related to providing those resources is not enhanced. Finally, increasing subsidies are required to provide the basic needs necessary and to address the social and other consequences that naturally arise from this situation. This is what we currently face.
In contrast, many benefits can accrue when basic needs are met, largely from local resources. Costs can be controlled, financial gains are maximized and distributed locally, and economic interactions circulate money in the community. Environmental impacts are quickly addressed because they're felt immediately and locally, and community capacity rises. Indirect benefits include a strengthened social fabric, respect for the land and people who provide for the needs of the community, and an overall increase in community capacity. Economic development becomes specifically designed to local conditions and resources that vary widely, and it doesn't actually yield diversity.
Mr. Speaker, while we have the challenges of climate change impacts and soaring fuel costs, we also have solutions that will address both of these and the cost of living. We have an incredible potential to raise vegetables, herbs and even grains, as was demonstrated in the '40s through the '60s. Our varied crops are phenomenal. Our potential for harvesting meat is high, with marine mammals, bison, moose, waterfowl and the long-term caribou. Our forests offer….
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our forests offer an amazing potential for diversifying our diet, from birch syrup to nutrient-laden mushrooms and other foods. Renewable energy is available in every community, varying from area to area. Building skills and materials are available, but need investigation and development.
The Minister of Finance noted yesterday that we are totally vulnerable to rising costs and global economic conditions, yet he failed to address how to become less vulnerable. Instead, this government's sole response seems to be to join the madness and pursue mega-development with predictable social, environmental and local economic consequences.
Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to recognize the incredible potential and innovation of our culturally diverse people and to provide real incentives, opportunities and requirements for environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development. We need to meet real needs with real solutions. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
