Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the House for the opportunity to reply to the budget address. I appreciate the work that the Minister of Finance is doing, given the financial situation of this government and that of the federal government. In the budget address, the Minister of Finance said a lot of the right things. For example, "to maximize northern business employment and training opportunities, capital priorities must be set, based on Legislative Assembly and community input. We want maximum benefits from government spending to accrue to northerners and we are committed to doing business in the Northwest Territories with northern business using northern labour."
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to argue statements like these because I firmly believe in these concepts. I also support the concept and policy of negotiating contracts. It would be nice, though, to live until the day that 100 per cent of all our construction, manufacturing, labour supply and transportation would be provided by northern companies and northern people. However, that is utopia, and I am a realist and a practical person. We have to do everything within our powers to ensure that what the Minister of Finance is saying, which is backed by Cabinet, happens. The responsibility for making these things happen rests with the Government of the Northwest Territories' bureaucracy. They are entrusted with the authority and responsibility to carry out the programs, policies and directions of government.
I am sure we all have stories of inefficiencies, mismanagement, lack of communication, et cetera, where projects do not happen the way people in the north envisage. In our system of government, we seem to accept these types of behaviour. When was the last time we saw a senior manager fired or dismissed for messing up? I am not talking about fraud or criminal behaviour; just for non-performance of duties. I believe the time has come when we, as northerners, cannot, and should not, put up with inappropriate behaviour and actions from our senior managers. They have to be accountable and responsible for their actions and the consequences.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make some comments on the capital planning process. The Standing Committee on Finance already commented that there is still a great deal of work necessary to refine the process. I fully agree with them. Communities are given a chance two, maybe three times a year, to review a five year plan. However, communities are not given an opportunity to review the plan with other communities in their region. They tend to work in isolation from their nearby communities. This should change and information should be exchanged, shared and discussed between communities, especially within a region.
The Minister of Finance stated that over 20 communities responded. At my last count, we have some 61 communities in the Northwest Territories, so the 20 communities make up about a 33 per cent success rate. We still have a great deal of work to do.
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to the Minister of Finance and other Ministers on the issue of fairness and equity of dividing up the capital money to ensure various communities and regions get a fair share of the action. This issue concerns me, and I have stated it before in this House. Many regions, especially my region and the Beaufort/Delta area, are now economically depressed. There are no more mega-projects, so these areas rely very heavily on government initiatives. Therefore, as a representative of the region, I have to push to get an equitable share of the capital money.
In terms of the capital plan, I wish to state that the five year plan is favourable for my constituency of Inuvik. However, there is still a great deal of work and consultation required to shape the plans and get the appropriate timing of the various projects. One of the major concerns, which will have an impact on capital building projects in Inuvik, is the existing utilidor system. Currently, all government buildings use high temperature hot water heating provided by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. There are plans, within the next two to five years, to eliminate this heating system. This means that all existing buildings and any new ones will have to have alternative heating systems, most likely oil-burning boiler systems. We have to plan for this eventuality and determine the impact upon our capital and O and M costs. Mr. Speaker, I also fear that now is the time when we should look at other energy alternatives. Perhaps now is the time to brush up on all of the old studies on using gas as an energy source for the Delta.
I stated earlier the five year capital plan is favourable for Inuvik. However, there are a couple of projects which are missing and should be included in the next version of the plan. There are requirements for a senior citizens' facility and a new correctional centre. There has been a great deal of discussion and support for these two projects from organizations in Inuvik. Their priority is to build a senior citizens' home.
In all of the capital budget, which we are expected to approve this session, it only includes money for the fiscal year of 1994-95. However, people in the communities, once they submit their five year capital plan and wish list, expect the government to commit to these projects, which are included in the plan. My suggestion is that, in the current budget book, all of the projects listed on the five year plans should be identified, by some means, to ensure residents of the North that their projects are being considered and are included in the plan.
We are all aware that what we agree on today may change tomorrow or within the five year period. Within our system, this is more likely because of the rotating Ministers and the life of each Assembly, which is four years. What has been agreed on by one person today may not necessarily be the position or priority or wish of another person tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Finance for allowing me to participate in their meetings and I'd like to thank the Ministers for their support in working with, and listening to, the various organizations and citizens of Inuvik when dealing with Capital Budgets and other issues. I'm especially appreciative of the Ministers who have made visits to Inuvik and the region. Mahsi cho, qujannamiik.
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