Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over recent years, many have stood up in the House to warn that our territorial financial outlook was worsening yet the government of the day just keep kicking the problem down the road so that hard choices will fall onto someone else's shoulders. Now it sounds like we can't ignore our finances any longer.
I understand that there's talk about cuts coming on the horizon. Like every northern family, the government must come to terms with reality and live within its means. My people understand that our territory can't keep spending more than we take in every year, but the communities in my riding of Tu NedheWiilideh are concerned by this talk. They receive less than 5 percent of the $2.2 billion from the finance Minister's table and worry that now that there will be less investment in our riding.
Across my riding, there are critical problems with housing, homeownership repairs, infrastructure, and across access to services. My people can't afford to lose out on support they have waited desperately for. To my constituents, it seems like the government just keeps growing. They still see a fair relationship with the GNWT and fewer coming budgets that work for their needs and will be imposed on to them, just like the old days of the colonial system in the past.
The Premier says he wants to make another shot at renewing the relationship between First Nations and the GNWT. That makes me hopeful. I believe the path to fiscal responsibility offers this new government an opportunity to put words into action. They can choose to balance a future approach to fiscal restraint by ensuring services to Indigenous people and nations is protected and progress is made on the vital priorities of the smaller communities.
The people of Tu NedheWiilideh shares my optimism in this new government and have not lost hope in the future of the GNWT that works through cooperation and consultation. When this happens, we can find the solution together and build a prosperous economy that will see our territory thrive. I look forward to asking the Minister of Finance questions on this topic. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Tu NedheWiilideh. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
