Madam Chair, the City of Yellowknife is also like a mining capital of the Northwest Territories. It also is the capital. It is, by definition, a bit of an anomaly. It also happens to be the biggest community, and it does enjoy an economic status unlike any other. It is difficult to be categorical about it. I do know that all of us in Cabinet are acutely aware of the difficulties within the city in the last couple of years. Most of the staff cuts have been at headquarters, have been in Yellowknife. There is a large vacancy, many houses and lots on sale in the city. Whether or not that warrants redefining it as a level two or level three community is a question I could put to my department and ask if that is an avenue that should be taken to help offset some of the economic difficulties and setbacks that the city has suffered in the last couple of years. I would put a more general question to my staff, which is what are the ways in which this government could be more supportive of the city. Keeping in mind, we have to be fair to the smaller communities, and keeping in mind there is only so many resources available to us. I would be prepared to do that if we could grant hunting to people of the RCMP and Armed Forces through mere changes to the regulations, I would ask that question and get back to the Member on that as well. It seems to me it is a bit more fundamental than that. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on October 23rd, 1997. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
October 23rd, 1997
Page 118
See context to find out what was said next.