Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Finance about possible revenue generation opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the Minister, in response to my question said no, no, no. Mr. Speaker, it is about time, as a territory, that we developed a scheme, a plan, a way of alleviating dependence on the federal treasury. We have to broaden our economic base, create jobs and opportunities. Taxes are seen as a negative way to generate revenue. The sin taxes on cigarettes and alcohol have wide support. Introduction of Lotto 649, for example, put a part of the revenue generation back into the coffers of the NWT by the Western Lottery Corporation.
The Minister of Finance should look at the introduction of VLTs or Video Lottery Terminals. The cash flow from these items as, demonstrated in Alberta, has had significant revenue generation for that jurisdiction. Now, Mr. Speaker, are we going to sit on our hands, worry and fret, or are we going to get proactive and bring in the extra revenue and target it to the social programs area? How many Delta Houses or continued lay-offs will we have to go through before other options are contemplated by this government? Mr. Speaker, the budget of Mr. Todd will be brought down next week. Will it give northerners hope for the future? Will it demonstrate some advancement on the revenue side of government?
Last night, Mr. Speaker, I sat alone in my small apartment and asked myself, why am I here in Yellowknife? Is the political life worth the sacrifices and petty sniping that occurs from across the hall. I quickly came to the decision that I was here to make a difference for my children and my family. I do not want to contemplate a future for them in the region of the country that will inherit a large debt and have no way to pay for it.
On the eve of Mr. Todd's second budget, my wish is that we explore the revenue generation side of government. With less than 800 days before division, Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking. Tick, tick, tick. Mr. Todd is talking. Talk, talk, talk. Walk the walk, talk the talk to our friend, the Finance Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause