Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Despite all that is said about small communities in this House, I doubt most residents understand the situation across our territory. When I see our budget, sometimes I wonder if our government really wants to improve the situation.
Here are a few key facts: Eight communities have no nurses; ten communities have no police; many communities lack high school education; we have employment rates as low as 34 percent in our small communities, compared to 80 percent here in Yellowknife; 38 percent of homes are in core need, comparable to 9 percent here in Yellowknife. I could go on and on, but I will just throw out one more fact: More than 10 percent of NWT households experience food insecurity.
In the last Assembly, the Committee on Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities was set up. It put together an investment strategy to address small community needs. Over two years, $5.1 million was included in the budget for some very good initiatives, including one-window access to government programs and assistance, more early childhood programs, the Small Community Employment Program, programs to support youth, training for court workers to help reduce crimes, and new settlement maintainer positions in six communities.
This good work was supported by the government. It was supported by MLAs, and the budgets reflect that today.
It is another story under this current government. The Rural and Remote Communities has accomplished very little. There is no money in the budget. Committee members can make all the recommendations we like, but we have to scramble for a few dollars after the fact, and the money might have to be pulled from some other programs.
We are not trying to get more cuts to inclusive schooling. We want to make a difference for the people in the small communities and the whole territory.
I will be asking the Premier some questions about the lack of attention to the needs of rural and remote communities later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
