Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have heard over the last couple of weeks about the real concern of the commitment of this government to our social network. There is a concern that maybe the commitment this government has made to social services is on the decline. I would like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that when that happens there is a greater burden placed upon the public to raise the necessary funds for these non-government organizations to carry on their work. I am convinced that many of our non-government organizations can provide a service which, if the government were providing it, would cost twice or three times as much.
In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a suggestion to the government. Because we know we can get a better bang for our buck in many instances when local organizations run programs, and since there is a real disaffection throughout the country about what the government does with the money that is given to it through taxes, would the Minister of Finance consider an option whereby individuals can get 100 per cent tax deduction for a contribution to a registered social institution in the Northwest Territories? Instead of giving that $100 or $200 to this government, they give it directly to the organization that they know can give them three or four times the value for that dollar than this government can.
I am not suggesting our government is bad. All I am suggesting is that if you really want to encourage social agencies to do the work that they are increasingly asked to take on, our government should assist that I know it will result in a loss of revenue to our government, but we do it for political contributions. Every now and again an election comes up and you can get 100 per cent deduction for that contribution made to that campaign. I am suggesting the government look at that to empower people to put their money where they know they will get good value for it. Thank you.
--- Applause