Debates of February 25, 2016 (day 6)

Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement on Funding for Economic Opportunities and Infrastructure

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of Canada released its economic forecast for the Northwest Territories, and while much of this information is not news to this government, there are some good news stories. The resources revenues are expected to increase and there should be more revenue in the future to invest in. I don't want to talk too much about that today. What I'm more interested in is the need for infrastructure in our communities and the equal need for economic activity in our communities. The Government of Canada has made a bold decision to spend more than $10 billion in deficit to pay for infrastructure across the country and to provide a tax cut for middle-income earners in Canada. In our communities there is an additional need for infrastructure that has been unaddressed for many years. Recently, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has amended that formula to provide additional funding to our regional centres that have experienced a shortfall. I'm very excited by this news. However, given our fiscal restraints, I’m concerned that we may not have the ability to fully fund the needs of our communities, and get people on the ground working in jobs. I will have questions for the Minister of Municipal and Communities Affairs on the formula funding, and to see exactly when we can flow new infrastructure dollars to our communities and start getting people back to work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.