Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is in regards to the unfair economic situation that the Mackenzie Delta find themselves in. The government downsizing, fiscal restraint, and the battle against the deficit created hard times for everyone across the NWT. But I feel, however, that my riding, in particular, has taken the worst of it. I have gone over GNWT capital spending figures for the past nine years, and find that my riding has created less of its adequate share. The Mackenzie Delta with population of over 1,700 people have received an average of $1,130 per person for capital projects, which is less than half of what the GNWT has spent in other ridings of similar size.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the picture does not look like it is going to get much better prior to 1999 for division. Capital spending in communities transfer directly into jobs, and business opportunities for residents. In communities where the unemployment rate was around 35 percent, the lack of work fosters to social problems such as high suicide rates, increase alcohol and drug abuse. I have also spoken in the past of the Tl'oondih Healing Camp. This is a first class facility which is solely owned by the Gwich'in Tribal Council, and one that was designed and constructed without government assistance. Even though, in this case, the GNWT still refuses to provide core funding to this important facility. The government talks about community empowerment, but when it comes to communities taking initiatives to try to establish such a needed facility, the government cuts them back or cuts them out.
Mr. Speaker, Members have talked about being fair for all communities, I hope you remember that when we deal with the budget in the upcoming rounds. I would like to also raise concerns in my riding and try to get some fairness to the people that I represent. In closing, Mr. Speaker ... I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.