Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the opportunity last evening to meet with a number of my constituents. I would like to thank those people who took the time to come out and express their concerns and give me some direction and, in some cases, suggestions of approaches that I should have taken. I will share with the Members of this House some of the issues brought forth. I have little doubt that there are many common threads which each of us hears from our respective constituents.

First, on fees and licences, there was not an objection as much as a concern expressed as to the speed at which some increases to fees and charges are being implemented by this government. Examples are the increase in the rent at the Aven Seniors' Centre and annual increases in licensing fees. Another item that was brought up was school taxes; questions were raised as to why Yellowknife is the only community in the NWT paying school taxes, representing approximately 30 per cent of the total cost. While I was not able to answer that question directly, I gave assurances to my constituents that I would address their concerns later.

On the question of MLA compensation, I gave my constituents assurances that we are in the process of reviewing MLAs' salaries and benefits and that this review will hopefully reflect the government's financial situation. With regard to representation, my comments in the House were noted by constituents regarding suggestions that we put the business incentive program on hold for a year as this would clearly be a cost-saving measure for this government when faced with the deficit proposed. On departmental consultations, it was understood that while deputy ministers meet on a regular basis, it was suggested that a stronger relationship be created between departments to discuss cost-saving measures, which some departments may be undertaking, and share these ideas with the others.

Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the ideas that came forth last night and I wish to, again, express my gratitude to those constituents who came out to the meeting. Thank you.