Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS, the federal government through the Minister of Finance announced a number of reduction measures in its economic and fiscal statement on December 2, 1992;

AND WHEREAS, the economic and fiscal statement outlines the reductions in three categories:

-programs where benefits are frozen, this category includes unemployment insurance benefit freeze and changes regarding voluntary quitters, science and technology, selected aboriginal programs and grants in lieu of taxes;

-grants and contributions reduced by ten per cent, this category includes regional and industrial subsidies, transportation studies, cultural subsidies and selected (unspecified) aboriginal programs;

-operating budget cuts, this category includes wage freeze and operating budget reductions for federal government departments and Crown corporations.

AND WHEREAS the full impact of these reductions in Northwest Territories programs and services are very difficult to identify;

AND WHEREAS this House has already expressed its displeasure with a ten per cent cut to the Canada-Northwest Territories cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages;

AND WHEREAS the federal government cuts may impact on such programs as art groups, aboriginal groups, friendship centres, French language delivery in education, Arctic College literacy fund, industry, science and technology and in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs;

AND WHEREAS the groups affected by these cuts have not been notified as to the impact they will have to funding groups;

AND WHEREAS the impact of the reductions to programs and services in the Northwest Territories is expected to be tremendous;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that this Legislative Assembly condemns the Government of Canada for its apparent lack of consideration to the people of the Northwest Territories with its expenditure reduction measures as contained in the economic and fiscal statement;

AND FURTHER that the territorial Minister of Finance make every effort to consult with his federal counterparts to ensure he is made aware of the effects of the federal expenditure reduction measures will have on people and groups in the Northwest Territories.

---Applause