Thank you, Madam Speaker and honourable Members. Recently, Madam Speaker, my younger brother, Frank, invited the resident denturist to Fort Providence to work on those people's dentures who require adjustment. Madam Speaker, the denturist would have been pleased to travel to Fort Providence to do this work, but had to decline due to the threat of criminal prosecution that hangs over his head, that he sought business without referrals from the dentist.

Madam Speaker, there are elders who have lived on a traditional diet all of their lives, who are now forced to live on a diet of tea and toast because of the continual problems they have with their dentures. As you can imagine, Madam Speaker, this contributes to the elders' physical and mental deterioration.

Madam Speaker, many of us in this Assembly can remember when medical services in the Northwest Territories were few and far between. Why doesn't this government support the establishment of a dental lab in Yellowknife for the benefit of the residents? We, as a government, must encourage new businesses and industry to locate in the Northwest Territories. If we have to change an inadequate piece of legislation to accomplish this, we must do so.

Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that the dentists have no problem with a dental lab in the Northwest Territories. The only thing they want is their right to make referrals. Madam Speaker, the denturist has received only five referrals since he started shop six months ago. I suggest the government move quickly on this issue before the problem becomes redundant by virtue of the denturist moving south to make a living. Mahsi cho.

---Applause