Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier's statements today in raising the issues about the official languages agreement. I rise today to express my disappointment with the federal government by making these announced cuts in grants and contributions programs. I also rise today to express my support for the intent and the contents that were negotiated in establishing the languages agreement, even though I was not a Member of this Assembly at the time the agreement was developed and signed. I was in the back room supporting the initiatives undertaken by the Members of this House at that time.
I am also opposed to any reductions in the languages agreement. I would like to indicate my support for the Government Leader, her Cabinet and this government to try their best to protect the valuable resources we have and the need to continue this agreement to protect and enhance language development in the Northwest Territories, especially the development and training of the professionals required to provide and deliver these necessary services.
I encourage all Members of this Assembly to express their displeasure at these cuts. Mahsi.