Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like all Members in this House, I am very concerned about the current fiscal crunch facing the Northwest Territories. Last week, we received the news that the federal government has rejected all requests for the reinstatement of funding for social housing, and essential programs in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned because every year we have less, and less money to spend on essential programs such as housing, social and health programs, or legal aid, yet the demand for these programs is increasing at breakneck speed. Sooner or later, demands have to outstrip supply.
It is not enough to say that we will do more with less. We have to look at how our resources are spent, and look at ways to better distribute them to those most in need. This means that everyone must make sacrifices. One area that I have spoken about before in this House, is the benefits package available to public servants. As we all are aware, pay and benefits for public servants represent almost one third of our annual budget. I believe that some of these benefits no longer accurately portray the realities of the north.
As the Standing Committee on Finance notes, the current package is a remnant of the days when the north was considered an outpost by southern Canada.
Mr. Speaker, some of the benefits that I speak of include the northern housing allowance, vacation/travel assistance, and the payment for moving expenses for public servants who quit, and are leaving the Northwest Territories.
Today, of course, things are different. The larger centres are developing housing markets, direct air connections, and with the rest of Canada, the most modern of convenience. Just recently Yellowknife saw the opening of the new McDonalds. Surely, a sign of a modern city. I believe it is time to revisit some of the benefits available to public servants with an eye to redesign them to meet the times, and the fiscal situation of this government.
Mr. Speaker, I would hope, and believe that this can be done in concert, with the appropriate units to reach a fair and equitable agreement.