Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have my Member’s statement on the update of the key issues in the Sahtu that I want to talk about in the next five weeks. We just heard the budget and we’re certainly asking questions regarding the needs in the Sahtu.
I want to talk about some of the things that are happening in my region. I’m asking questions on why. Why wait? Why can’t we do things differently in the Sahtu region? For example, in the Sahtu there is a real high interest of oil and gas. Oil is booming in the Sahtu. Why are we waiting to put in an all-weather road in the Sahtu? What else do we have to say to the government to say there’s high interest?
There’s over $600 million committed over the next five to 10 years in the Sahtu, possibly more. Why continue to wait to see if these resources are proven? I’m asking these types of questions. Why have the log jam? Why are our winter roads closed for 24 hours? Why is this government not prepared to put a package together to bring to the federal government for funding?
I also want to ask about the housing needs. Housing is crowded in the Sahtu. The people are living in warehouses and shacks. I’ve been to Deline. I’ve talked to the Minister about this, why people are looking at what is happening. We have three empty houses in Deline and some people are still living in shacks. I want to ask the Minister what is happening that we’re not doing something, or the people are not rising to the level of taking some responsibility to get into these houses.
Another important issue is alcohol in my region. That is causing a lot of concern for my people. We have the Minister’s forum going out to listen to the people in the North and they’re going to the Sahtu next week. Why are half of our young people using a lot of alcohol? Our jails are full because of crimes related to alcohol. People are dying in this day and age.
The last issue I want to talk about is why isn’t the energy issue such as the Norman Wells lights out being looked at further. Why is this still happening today?
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.
