Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about what I see as a double standard that is being applied in the capital planning process for communities across the Northwest Territories.

The double standard applies to what I call, have and have not communities. Have not communities are smaller, remote and are usually traditional communities. People in these communities do not have the same opportunity to lobby government for community infrastructures as do the larger, more sophisticated communities.

Far too often I have heard in this House that the smaller community is getting a scaled-down version of a recreational, or health centre, or other types of infrastructure because of its population.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that this is wrong. All communities, whether they are large or small, have similar needs for the basic infrastructure services and programs. These essential services are necessary to enhance the physical, spiritual, and mental well being of all residents. I believe the residents should receive similar services, whether it is in such communities as Whale Cove, Hay River, Trout Lake or Iqaluit. This should be a priority of this government.

I was happy to hear the Minister of Finance state in his budget address today that it is necessary to maintain essential programs and services to those most in need, particularly in the smaller more vulnerable communities that we represent. I trust the government will remember this when it does its community capital planning over the next three years.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.