Hear! Hear!
Recommendation 14
The committee recommends that the Department of Finance actively encourage all northerners, through an awareness campaign, to participate in the 1996 census.
Banking Services
For many years, Members of the Legislative Assembly have been raising concerns regarding the lack of banking services in most communities. The committee noted during the review that some banks are starting to move into communities in the north. For example, it is expected that there will soon be banking facilities in Cambridge Bay.
The committee is aware of and supports the contractual arrangement for banking services which the government has negotiated. Without undermining this arrangement, the committee suggests that the government encourage the development and enhancement of banking services in smaller communities.
Property Taxation
The issue of property taxation was discussed with this department and with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs in the review of the 1994-95 main estimates. At that time, the committee recommended that the taxation policy in general taxation areas be reviewed and a plan developed to resolve all outstanding issues in this area, with particular reference to treaty concerns. The committee was informed during this review that a study is under way and the final report is expected in September 1995. This issue should be highlighted as a priority for the next government in the transition plan.