Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to share with Members some of our more recent empowerment successes. In Mr. Krutko's riding of Mackenzie Delta, the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee has taken on the transfer of the government liaison function. With the assistance of a seconded government staff member, the Aklavik Aboriginal Committee is developing plans for further community control of programs.
Tulita, Norman Wells, Deline and the K'asho Got'ine Council in Fort Good Hope are four of the 15 communities which have taken on responsibility for the economic development function. As illustrated by the many economic development transfers, the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, continues to be a strong supporter of increased community control over community decision-making.
In the Keewatin, all seven hamlets are working towards taking on ownership and responsibility for airport operations on April 1, 1997. This will be the first complete transfer of a program to all community governments within one region and will enable these community governments to share the costs for common specialized services. My colleague, the Honourable Jim Antoine and staff from the Department of Transportation, are working closely with Keewatin municipalities to conclude the transfer agreements.
As well, a number of Keewatin communities have expressed interest in the transfer of Public Works and Services and Housing Corporation functions. Completion of these transfers would see the integration of ownership, maintenance and management functions under the community government.
Under the direction of the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, the consolidation of maintenance functions, through some 54 program transfers at the community level, are progressing well with the combined support of staff from Public Works and Services and the NWT Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, these are only a few of the community empowerment successes. Many more communities are pursuing community empowerment opportunities. Soon I will share with Members a more detailed progress report on the community empowerment transfers completed to date. In the end, Mr. Speaker, we are giving communities what they have been asking for. We are giving responsibility of programs, services and infrastructure at the community level to communities, so they have community control to make decisions and manage their own affairs.
I look at these opportunities as a positive challenge for us all. While we work together to find solutions to outstanding empowerment issues, we must continue to work in partnership with communities to ensure community empowerment is successful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause