I would like to commend the Government Leader for this decentralization initiative. I think we have to ensure in this decentralization that the benefits that come about, whether it is with respect to the potential new assets that may be required or employment opportunities, are given to the systems in place so that Northerners can take full advantage of the situation. I would hope with respect to this, particularly in the employment opportunities that may be available, that there will be some co-ordination between the decentralization thrust and Arctic College to ensure that our regional people, where those from Yellowknife do not wish to transfer, be given first opportunity to apply for and be successful in these jobs. So there is a requirement for some co-ordination with respect to this decentralization thrust.

I am one of those that believe that if we hesitate we will be lost because there will be 20 reasons why the bureaucracy will say we cannot do it, rather than, as I frequently say, "One reason why we should do it." There is a difference of opinion with respect to the fairness of decentralization. The principle of it, we all support; and I am sure other Members will talk to the fairness of it. But I want to say in terms of the principle that I am a strong advocate of decentralization. It will bring about not only economic benefits; it will also bring about, hopefully, government closer to the people, something many of us have been arguing for God knows how long -- 20 years, some of us. But I do want to say that if we do not move quickly, if we do not take advantage of this initiative, I am of the opinion that the bureaucracy will find some reason why we should not do it.

So I think timing, the commitment to it and our ability to put the infrastructure and put our people to work are important. So I think we have to move quickly to get a process in place which will ensure that there are maximum benefits to the regions that are affected; that we get training programs in place that are going to ensure that our people in the regions, where the positions of the people who do not wish to transfer, where there are opportunities available, that they are trained and placed in them. We take some risks if some of our people are not training. I am one of these people who believe that we should be hiring North first. It should be the rule, and anything else should be the exception.

If there is concern -- and this was expressed earlier -- about some inequity in what has taken place here, then that is probably a legitimate debate. However, the principle of decentralization has my full support, and I would like to commend the government for it.