Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the four communities in my constituency of Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake, and Wrigley.
Mr. Speaker, these communities are unincorporated, run by band councils, and they are classified by this government as unorganized communities. In debate on the budget of M.A.C.A. last Thursday, the Minister told me that departments have no policy to provide funding for these communities because they are considered unorganized.
Mr. Speaker, as I have stated before, I sometimes get frustrated in this House, but I have rarely been as frustrated as I was that day. I am tired of the constant running around. The Minister told me that these communities are under federal jurisdiction. The federal government states that they are a territorial responsibility, and I was wondering when does it stop.
I have outlined some of the conditions in these communities, particularly water and sewer in the Nahanni Butte. The Standing Committee on Finance had the opportunity to visit the community, and see some of these conditions.
The four communities are predominately traditional Dene communities. I guess the real question is, why can the people of the communities not enjoy the same programs and services that other residents of the Northwest Territories take for granted? Service such as a good, clean source of water, and a decent sewer system.
I was pleased that the Minister stated that the policy is being developed to fund communities that are, for want of a better term, unorganized. The policy is long overdue, and I expect that it will be completed soon.
I will have some questions on these issues, perhaps later today. Thank you.