Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good government for all the people. That is what this is all about. First I will make some comments as co-chair of the Ordinary Members' Caucus, a position I share with my honourable colleague, Mr. Barnabas. Then, I will make some personal remarks. A mid-term review is an important accountability tool for this Legislative Assembly. It provides all Members a chance to consider what this government has achieved, how it can improve on its performance and what ought to be the priority for the next two years. No doubt this will be a time consuming process today and tomorrow, but we are all dedicated to this effort in order to set the direction for the future.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to discuss the contribution Ordinary Members have made. They are proud of their contributions and accomplishments. One of the main features of the 13th Legislative Assembly is the increased role of standing committees. The introduction of a strengthened committee system for this Assembly has created a more collective decision-making structure. Standing committees play an integral part in the budgetary process by reviewing and tabling reports on departmental business plans, legislation and policy issues in general.
Members of standing committees have developed a unique expertise on the issues that face the government and are able to provide input on the future direction. For example, the standing committee on social matters in reviewing the family law bill were able to get important changes made to the bill in order to address the concerns of both committee Members and the public. Ordinary Members were able to convince the government that amalgamation of the Housing Corporation and the Department of Transportation and Public Works and Services was being rushed and ought to be deferred. Mr. Speaker, Ordinary Members have often spoken against government policy but also in support of Cabinet policy and direction. As an example, Members supported this government's efforts to eliminate the deficit. While there may have been differing view points on the method this government has addressed the deficit, Members have recognized the importance in securing the financial future of the Northwest Territories. Ordinary Members have made the government more accountable for its hiring practices as well as place pressure on government to change its reporting system on contracts.
Cabinet deserves praise for the heavy agenda it undertook at the beginning of its mandate. There has been many successes over the last two years such as the elimination of the deficit as only one of many examples and I congratulate them. I, in turn, think that Cabinet has to recognize, and I am sure they do, the successes have not been done in isolation. As the Premier stated earlier, the important contribution Ordinary Members have made in those achievements that have been brought about.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a few words on a personal basis about my concern as MLA for Yellowknife Centre. Learning how to become an effective MLA takes time. As my honourable colleague from Hay River said in this House last week, there is little that can adequately prepare one for the barrage of personal and professional adjustments required to fulfil this role. It has been a very steep learning curve. I, like my colleagues, am now more educated about the process. As a result, I can be more effective in my role representing my constituency. I have made 78 statements, asked 116 formal questions, made eight motions and filed eight petitions.
As I look to the future, I do have many issues I am convinced this government has to address. We are rolling along at break neck speed. At the start of this Assembly, this government introduced an agenda for change that had ten priorities and principles. This resulted in many changes to the makeup and operation of this government. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult sometimes in our day to day responsibilities as MLAs attending sessions, committee meetings, dealing with constituency matters and other official duties to take a moment and reflect a broader level of how government is performing. How do we, in fact, know if this government is performing well? I learned long ago, that change does not necessarily mean things are for the better. Lots of changes have been made, and we must be analytical of those changes and be prepared to take corrective action if warranted. For example, this government does need to do and review an analysis to identify operational difficulties and problems in such program areas as the amalgamation of Resources, Wildlife and Development, community empowerment, the elimination of the personal secretariat are only three examples. There are, no doubt, many benefits to what we have done. There may also be huge shortcomings. As for the future, we desperately need to deal with issues such as forced growth in the social envelope area, a substance abuse strategy, more emphasis on jobs, to name only several.
Personal issues of concern to me, as a Yellowknife representative, are violence in the downtown Yellowknife area. I think this government needs to take a more proactive approach to crime prevention by increasing its liquor inspections; early detection of breast cancer screening. Frankly, I was disappointed with the response I received in that area and I would like the government to address this area more seriously. In addition, I would like the government to pay attention to such organizations as the NWT Medical Association when they submit reports to this government in response to their reports.
On the economic front, I believe this government and the federal government should continue to ensure every effort to make sure that a detailed sorting and diamond valuation be done in the north. A priority for me is to see that positions within the federal government that are located in the south be transferred to the north if those positions deal with matters in the north.
On division, Mr. Speaker, I want to see a smooth transition in the creation of two new territories. But we must have a commitment from the federal government that they will expeditiously reimburse this government for transitional costs to bring about division. This will take a total of about $50 million out of our cashflow in the next two years. We need to ease the uncertainty division has created with staff in Yellowknife and immediately identify those positions that will be affected by possible transfer. There are many other issues. I think that all Members of this House, share the conviction that we have an obligation to do all that we can to improve the way this government conducts business for all residents of the Northwest Territories.
Therefore, I believe that all MLAs must be listened to with sensitively as they bring their thoughts as well as the views of their constituents forward in questioning Members of Cabinet. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion I will be looking to improve accountability by seeing whether the government is meeting their publicly stated commitments and how they follow upon motions passed in this House. There has been occasion where Cabinet, I feel, has ignored motions or part of motions passed by Ordinary Members, thus in my opinion, ignoring the legitimate concerns of individual MLAs. For example, I have not had a satisfactory action on the motion passed this spring for the government to develop a policy on non-competitive contracts. Mr. Speaker, it is important, as I said, for Cabinet to be sensitive to our comments because that is just a reflection of what our constituents are saying.
It behooves us, as Ordinary Members, to remain to be the voice of sober second thought to the government. Otherwise, I fear, we will not bring about the kind of good government the people of the north deserve.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I enjoy being in this Legislative Assembly, and I appreciate the many good working relationships we have and I hope that can continue. Thank you.