Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Everyone knows that one must learn to walk before they learn to run. However, before the first step can be taken, a child must have developed the necessary strength and muscles. Community empowerment is like taking our first steps. Before we can take on the responsibility for community empowerment, we must first strengthen our structures within our communities.
A child cannot walk without bones in his legs or muscles. A community cannot take steps towards community empowerment until it has a workable development plan and facilities. Clyde River is behind on what other communities are already enjoying. They do not have workable development plans, so they do not have muscles. There is a shortage of public housing and a lack of recreational and community facilities so that the community also lacks structural bones. If they do not have a plan and the necessary facilities, it would be futile for the community to take the steps towards community empowerment.
The town of Clyde River realizes that they are not ready to move towards community empowerment. They have decided to stop discussions for community empowerment because of seven issues. These are issues that the community thinks must be addressed before this discussion can continue. These issues are: Municipal Legislation Review; Funding Formula Review; Government and Community Interest; Nunavut Government's Position on Community Empowerment; A Community Plan for Development; Government of the Northwest Territories Deficit Recovery Plan. I hope that the Government of the Northwest Territories will support Clyde River in their decision.