Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have been concerned lately with the comments the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism has been making in the House regarding the economic strategy of this government. Mr. Speaker, during the past three to four years the Government of the Northwest Territories and this Legislative Assembly have devoted a great deal of thought, time and money to the development of an economic plan for the Northwest Territories. There was a Special Committee on Northern Economy of the last Legislative Assembly which was established in 1988 to examine how a sound economic base for the Northwest Territories could be developed. The committee conducted extensive public hearings and workshops and, in October of 1989, outlined 30 recommendations for the implementation of a strategy designed to meet the needs of developed and underdeveloped communities. One of the underlying principles of the strategy was that economic development must be community-based. Following this, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism of that time tabled documents which outlined the economic strategy of the government. This strategy was detailed and comprehensive. It was developed as a result of extensive consultation with communities and interest groups. The people of the Northwest Territories were told that this is the way the government is going to go and this will provide hope for the future.
Again, one of the core elements of the economic plan for the Northwest Territories was that there must be concentration on the needs and potential for development in the disadvantaged communities. There was a definite direction to development of our economy. We were going to build on our community strengths. Mr. Speaker, the development of communities is a future for our young people. Our youth are suffering from many social problems. The reasons for these problems are that there are no jobs and our people have lost hope. The communities have resources to draw upon, but this takes time. Already, this government seems to have lost its commitment to this solid, long-term development strategy in favour of boom and bust, mega projects that often do not benefit many northern people. Now, we hear from the Minister that this long-term strategy is only one of the documents we are using. The direction which was provided to this government by the people of the north is being ignored at this time.