Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was following and supporting the Finance Minister’s report on the fiscal situation we are leaving for the 18th Assembly, noting the volatility of the global economy, the mining industry and our economy; low revenues; and the need to diversify. That is, until he suddenly and illogically looped back to saying that, therefore, we have to pursue the highly volatile and uncertain extractive industry even harder.
People are drained of any remnant of enthusiasm for this old way of thinking and they pine for recognition of the real opportunities we do have for vibrant, localized and cooperative economies that benefit our families, communities and businesses.
Last May, people from across the Northwest Territories, convinced that a new vision is needed, came together with economists to explore localization of our community economies and what it could mean. They saw a viable alternative to a resource extractive economy, but one that must deal with two issues: climate change and poverty. This means changes to our economic model from a global one to a local one.
People were enthused. Localized economies enhance rather than degrade resources, target community people rather than transient populations, take a grassroots approach and support diversity. They are achieved by removing fossil fuel subsidies, following the polluter pays principle, refocusing towards diverse local enterprises rather than a single extractive industry, and replacing the glamorized industrial model based on external investors to an economic gardening model with local people in mind. The gathering recognized that poverty and inequity are bad for our economy but that the NWT could alter tax policy – and I disagree with the A grade – so it is investing in sustainable economic infrastructure and social and cultural development. Attendees recognize that globalized businesses don’t attend to local needs, highlighting why ownership is key. Public and cooperative ownership are ways to include local people and focus investment locally. This approach supports quality of life and the strengthening of social structures. In focus sessions, participants concluded that food systems are at the heart of localized economies and food security for everyone; that climate change, energy costs and health are three primary drivers of renewable energy adoption…
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
In focus sessions, participants concluded that food systems are at the heart of localized economies and food security; that climate change, energy costs and health are three primary drivers of renewable energy adoption; and that compared to oil and gas, renewables are investments in local jobs and businesses. Much work needs to be done to evolve government policy that recognizes and supports local economies.
In conclusion, the goal should be community empowerment that builds a strong local economic foundation and restores the commons. We need to take control of our destiny, invest in our collective strengths, and work together locally towards a brighter economic future. Now there is an economic approach that will address the Minister’s fiscal challenges and all Members’ goals of healthy families and communities supported by this government.
Let’s get ‘er done. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
MEMBER’S STATEMENT ON
HOUSING ISSUES IN SAHTU COMMUNITIES
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to know why there are so many houses just sitting empty in the Sahtu communities. This is a common conversation I have when I meet with my constituents in the Sahtu, especially in Fort Good Hope. In Fort Good Hope there are rows and rows of empty houses and a long list of young people who are waiting for a house. Unbelievable. Here we have a case where we’re not getting our act together fast enough to put these young people in these houses and fill these empty houses.
The latest NWT needs assessment paints a clear picture of the housing needs in Fort Good Hope and the Sahtu communities. A study that shows you the dire straits of overcrowding, the health issues are a result of this fact and this spills over into other areas in our society.
The community leaders of Fort Good Hope have always wanted to do something with these empty houses. “Tear them down,” they say, “or build new ones.” We need houses for our people. There’s provisions within the land claim that gives them the opportunity to build these houses and make it work for them, yet there seems to be some delay in movement within the NWT Housing Corporation to release these units. What is the problem? Can we really put people in homes? Is that a good measurable goal we can do, or do we continue to allow these empty houses to sit empty and do nothing?
I’ll have questions for the NWT Minister of Housing on how we can clean house.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
