Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Enterprise is the first Northwest Territories community on the Mackenzie Highway north of the Alberta border. Built when the highway was first extended into the NWT to capture highway trade, Enterprise is home to just over a hundred people at the junction of Highways No. 1 and No. 2, 43 kilometres south of Hay River. Enterprise is too often overlooked because of its size. The mayor recently shared some concerns with me that the community is under-represented and goes unnoticed, especially its Aboriginal population. Mr. Speaker, according to census data, almost half of the population is involved in hunting and trapping but they do not qualify for government programs such as Community Harvest Assistance Program because of their residency. The program is usually delivered by a local Aboriginal organization that offers to its membership residing in their communities. Enterprise does not have such an organization so the people miss out. Another issue, Enterprise has been pushing for the concept of an impacts benefit agreement in light of the proposed wood pellet mill next to their community. Some community members are concerned about an increase in the volume of timber products being trucked within their community, as well as the social impacts of development. The community is not receiving any form of assistance to plan and mitigate the developmental impacts. Mr. Speaker, Enterprise is a legitimate community with real concerns. Their leadership should be invited to meetings with elected and senior government officials when we visit the area. They should have a seat at the table when it comes to conversations about projects that have direct impact on the community.
The people of Enterprise want to enjoy the same benefits as all Northerners, especially those living in communities of similar size. Mr. Speaker, Enterprise is just as much as part of the 33 communities of the NWT as Behchoko or Paulatuk or Colville Lake. The people have a voice; they need to be heard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
