Mr. Speaker, on Saturday I attended the annual general meeting of the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce. I had the opportunity and the pleasure of presenting a paper on the Strength at Two Levels document at this meeting. I tried to focus on matters that have been debated in this House and directions that have been proposed and issues from the report that will directly affect the Keewatin and its people. I must say, Mr. Speaker, that this was an entirely new perspective for me for this year, in that I attended as Member of this House, and the past 10 years I have always been involved in organizing the chamber.
Mr. Speaker, the organizers of this year's meeting did the usual terrific job. The turnout was incredible and, as always in the Keewatin, the debate was lively, to say the least. What surprised me most was the level of concern, even anger out there toward the government. It seems that everyone has some concerns about the restraint program being instituted by this government.
Mr. Speaker, I know it is necessary to get a handle on the current financial difficulties that we are facing. It is important that we use the funds we have available in a most efficient manner. However, from what I can gather in the Keewatin Region, regional staff seem to have misinterpreted, at least I hope they have misinterpreted, the message from the cabinet. Instead of fiscal restraint, they are cuffing and slashing whenever they can. I heard so many horror stories from business people this weekend, I thought I was on "Geraldo."
--- Laughter
Businesses in the Keewatin are fighting for their very survival. This is not just a regional issue. This is an issue that is across the Territories. I know from talking to other Members that businesses all over the North are currently being threatened, from Rankin Inlet to Broughton Island to Yellowknife. We are going to lose some of the precious few businesses we have if we do not recognize this and do something about it now. It may already be too late for some people.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the Government Leader, the Minister of Finance and other Members of cabinet take note of the urgency of this matter and act on it now. Give the private sector the confidence it needs. Give clear direction to government to act in a responsible manner. Remember, we all have to survive in this country.
--- Applause