Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, previously I spoke in this House on inflation and the rising cost of living in the Tlicho region. The increasing cost of fuel is part of the problem.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month the government announced significant increases to the fuel resupply program prices in ten communities. Three communities in the Tlicho region will be affected by this increase. Mr. Speaker, this upcoming resupply season, Gameti, Wekweeti, and Whati, will see an average increase of 44 cents per litre, or 28 percent increase for heating fuel; 45 cents per litre, or 25 percent increase for diesel; and 29 cents per litre, or 16 percent increase for gasoline.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about the impact these increases will have on my constituents. Without fuel, my people have a limited ability to get on the land. The effects on their wellbeing, food, and economic security will be immeasurable.
Mr. Speaker, often it is those who are the most vulnerable who suffer the most from these increases. I think of the elders seeing a greater portion of their fixed income going towards heating their home and transportation.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that gas price increases are a worldwide reaction to the tragic events in the Ukraine where citizens are being forced out of their homes, families torn apart, and citizens are being murdered by an oppressive dictator. While I recognize that the GNWT cannot control these fluctuations in global pricing, it is our small and remote communities time and time again that see the worst of the impacts of these price increases.
Mr. Speaker, what I would like to see for this government to do is to work with us and to work with Indigenous governments to find a solution that will lessen the impacts of these increases on our citizens.
I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
