Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome back. Mr. Speaker we are all acutely aware that this government is facing the most trying financial time in the history of the NWT, but are we on the right track in dealing with this very scary situation? For the past ten months this government has been hacking and cutting at the territorial budget in order to meet the target set by the self-imposed Deficit Elimination Act. Mr. Speaker, prior to the VTA and other benefit reductions, I requested that this House take a sober second look at the impact these cuts would have on the small off-road communities. Unfortunately little consider was given, therefore, the cuts took place and the hardships began. Mr. Speaker, this government is now looking at another round of deep cuts to our budget, programs and services. I am not convinced that the smaller off-road communities, and to some extent, the major centres, if they can handle these cuts. Mr. Speaker, what will we really accomplish of by division in 1999 we have a balanced budget but have a quality of life that is similar to the Flintstones? I believe if we continue with these drastic cuts it will be to our detriment and could put the Territories back some twenty-five years. To compound this issue, I will remind everyone of the fact that, very few, and in some cases, no jobs for northerners have been created. I seriously believe that the Premier and his Cabinet should pause and review it's cost cutting agenda for the next year. This would also include putting a hold on most of the departmental restructuring as I am not convinced that the small financial savings are really worth the significant human cost.

Mr. Speaker, one does not require a brain surgeon to carry out these cuts. The real tests and the real challenge is to create jobs not cut them, and furthermore, if we do not move quickly to stimulate our fragile economy, through mining or other such initiatives, our economic mobility may just cease. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.