Debates of January 21, 2004 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last several weeks, I’ve raised several issues in relation to tax exemptions which may be applied to residents of the Northwest Territories which this government can use as a tool for economic development. There are a number of documents available to peruse that would lend to my comments, Mr. Speaker. My constituents of Inuvik Twin Lakes have asked me to question why the government would not consider tax exemptions as its tool.

A report called, “Sorting Out the Issues: Tax Exemption – A Tool for Economic Development for First Nations,” prepared by Dr. Fred Lessar, strongly urges the introduction of such a tax model as well as Bill C-48. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lessar documents that if this were the case, the financial gain experienced by Canada through a reduction of the need for social services would fall our way. It would be a win-win for Canada and the indigenous people of this country.

Mr. Speaker, if the tax exempt policy was adopted for the Northwest Territories, we too should also experience a win-win for the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, my objective in pursuing this very important issue reflects the composition of the riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes in the socio-economic report on Inuvik Twin Lakes which I tabled in this Assembly. It indicates that many of our residents still rely on some form of social assistance, including indigenous Inuvik residents who occupy 225 public housing units.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will ask the Finance Minister some pertinent questions on whether there could be substantial savings to the NWT in providing programs and services, as well as improve upon the economic status of our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.