Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend warm greetings to everyone here today and to those listening from across the Northwest Territories. The fall 2012 session marks a full year since Members were elected to this Assembly.
This year has been significant for the Northwest Territories and for the Deh Cho riding. This past summer an anthrax outbreak decimated the Mackenzie bison herd, killing over 400 animals. I acknowledge that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources rapidly forwarded a response to this devastating situation. The active infection phase of this disease is now over forever. Among the impacts of the outbreak are reduced hunting quotas for all harvesters.
The Deh Cho residents are eagerly waiting for the opening of the Deh Cho Bridge in November. The Deh Gah Bridge Society is proud of this tremendous project and hopes to work with the GNWT to maximize the opportunities the bridge will provide to our region.
The bridge opening marks the end of an era for the Fort Providence ice crossing and ferry service. I would like to commend the hard work and dedication of those who have maintained these key pieces of infrastructure over the many decades of travelling across the Mackenzie River.
A highlight in this coming new capital plan is the commitment to build a much needed new health centre in Fort Providence. The community and staff will look forward to the improvements the health centre will bring.
Although we are making progress, many challenges still lay ahead. Enterprise and Kakisa have yet to establish their own water treatment plants. The Hay River Reserve continues to struggle with jurisdictional matters regarding reserve status, levels of government obligation, housing and other programs and services. The Deh Cho riding does not have mobile phone service, and in the interest of public safety and improved communications, I will soon table a petition requesting cellular service in Fort Providence and the surrounding area before the opening of the Deh Cho Bridge.
Unemployment is as high as 30 percent in some of the Deh Cho communities. That takes a toll on families as well as programs that offer government support. The Deh Cho and NWT as a whole must tackle such issues as land claim and self-government negotiations, devolution and resource revenue sharing, pressures of increased energy costs and major infrastructure decisions.
In spite of these challenges, we have to look forward to over the next two years and beyond the life of the 17th Assembly. Meaningful advances and development of biomass industry in the Deh Cho, increased tourism as a result of the monumental 1,000 metre long Deh Cho Bridge, and more opportunities to work together to build the future of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Colleagues, before we go on I would like to recognize in the House former Member for Deh Cho and honourable Minister, Mr. Michael McLeod. Welcome back to the House. The Member for Range Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
