Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to rise to speak to the Finance Minister's recent statement on cooperation in the 2017-18 budget. It is no secret that we have had a very spirited debate in this House over this very important issue of our fiscal and strategic priorities moving forward into the 2017-18 year.
I am very pleased today to share in the announcement that we have achieved a compromise on the budget and that Regular Members, working together, have found a way to express their concerns both publicly and privately through the established practice of consensus government to make a better budget. That is exactly what we have seen, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to say that I am now able to support this budget and will do so.
I am very pleased to see the additional spending on both our social needs and on our economy. The additional Mineral Incentive Program, community access program, these will create jobs. These will create economic opportunities for our residents. Additional social spending with allow us to offset increased spending in later years.
You have to start with a strong foundation, Mr. Speaker. Our economy needs that boost, our people need that boost, and I am glad that the government has heard our message and has clearly signaled that they are willing to work with us in the spirit of consensus government. I know not everything that we worked for and our joint recommendations were accepted, but I think that, ultimately, we have a better budget and, ultimately, we have found a way to end this impasse and come together on behalf of our people for the benefit of all of the Northwest Territories.
I will be continuing to support this budget and continuing in my role to hold Cabinet accountability and make the best possible decisions for all the people we serve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
