Debates of June 1, 2005 (day 6)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. At the start of the 15th Legislative Assembly, we all came here to debate and work for our constituencies and the entire Northwest Territories on the issues of today. Madam Speaker, over the course of this Legislative Assembly we, as legislators, initiate, amend and debate matters brought forward by Cabinet and government. Most importantly, we bring forth our vision for the North and how we can thrive under the unique circumstances of living up here in the North.

Madam Speaker, we, as legislators, work towards building our NWT nation. Mr. Diefenbaker's quoted vision for the North was to build a road that connects the North with the rest of Canada and that builds a foundation of brotherhood, vision and faith. Madam Speaker, unfortunately that vision of a road was not fully realized as I thought it would be.

Madam Speaker, the Sahtu region and other regions have vast resources of wealth. We have witnessed an increase in resource development activities. There’s also the Bear River hydro dam. This is the largest potential project, next to the Mackenzie gas pipeline. We have also great potential for tourism, Madam Speaker. We have world-class fishing available to us in Great Bear Lake.

Madam Speaker, our region is an area with great potential for economic growth and development, but we need the roads to get there. The Sahtu needs the government to put a high priority in developing an all-weather road strategy for us. We want to be connected by road to the southern parts of the Northwest Territories. That is the Sahtu solution to this matter.

Finally, Madam Speaker, a road to the Sahtu is no pipe dream. We, as legislators, must do the right thing and start working with our people in the Sahtu so we can support the NWT Canada highway proposal that will include an all-weather road to the Sahtu. Thank you.

---Applause