Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In economics, there's a phrase called Jevons paradox which occurs when technology progresses in a manner to increase efficiency but the resources actually inversely further demanded because we've lowered the cost. So in order, Mr. Speaker, historically governments have been trying to find ways to be more efficient, but in turn, people -- efficiency gains enthusiasm which increases consumption. This is called the rebound effect of Jevons paradox.
So a good example is when you make fuel efficiency vehicles, Mr. Speaker, people tend to drive more and hence consume more fuels. Mr. Speaker, in the end it results that just because you make something cheaper and solve a problem, you don't necessarily take into the greater consideration of the demand it's now created.
Now the EU has noted, Mr. Speaker -- and this is where it's important -- that this principle of efficiency on economics also applies to government policy, and it can apply to us. So how does it apply to the GNWT?
Well, take the encampment, for example, Mr. Speaker. Are we addressing the cause or are we addressing the system of some of these problems? By fixing it with a Band-Aid solution, Mr. Speaker, is the government temporarily making things worse? Are we empowering people? That is really addressing the cause. Are we finding ways to create sustainable communities and independent people? I'm not so sure.
Mr. Speaker, I agree something needs to be done, hands down. I would definitely stress that, you know, things -- solutions like Aspen Apartments, you know, fixing it up is not a terrible solution in any way. But for 38 units, 38 potential families waiting for a solution between one and two years away from now, has done nothing to solve the problem.
Mr. Speaker, you know, sometimes I say a four door Corolla could solve our problems; why are we buying Escalades? We don't need them, Mr. Speaker. There's nothing wrong with Aspen Apartments that couldn't House people today. In other words, we could be saving and changing the lives of 38 people -- 38 families. By sewing these seeds, possibly we'd be getting the right effect.
Mr. Speaker, we also have other temporary solutions when we're scrambling for them. The government has the Territorial Treatment Centre, the TTC, right across the street from the encampment. We could be partnering with the women's society, we could be partnering with the YWCA, or even the Salvation Army to temporary solve the solution. Let's not bring a hammer when we don't need one, Mr. Speaker. We could work with our communities in partnership with our social agencies. And I'll have questions for The Ministers during question period later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements.
