Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the last 18 months the people of the Northwest Territories have contributed to resolving this government's financial predicament. Employees have had pay and benefits cut, a significant number of people have been laid off and programs and facilities have been reduced and cut. Mr. Speaker, last May, I raised the possibility with the Minister of Finance, regarding giving discount rates at hotels, travel agencies and similar businesses to all residents of the NWT, in recognition of their sacrifices in achieving a balanced budget. Upon presentation of a valid NWT driver's licence or health care card at participating businesses, a person would receive a discount. The discount would be similar to reduced rates offered to GNWT employees, such as reduced rates at travel agencies, hotels and car rental agencies. Using identification cards issued regularly by this government means this program would not result in any additional costs. Presently, our government has standing orders with hotels and car rental agencies, so it would be relatively straightforward to advise these businesses to accept the card at their establishments.
Mr. Speaker, this arrangement would not discourage travel in the north or give an unfair advantage to southern destinations. Northern businesses may also attract more customers by accepting these cards. The discounts would give a well-deserved break to all NWT residents faced with the double burden of the higher cost of living than the rest of Canada and, in tough financial times, this action could potentially save money for the government, since higher volume of hotel and car rental services could mean better rates offered to our government.
Mr. Speaker, this action would provide people of the NWT with a small, but well-deserved break at no expense to the government. I will be asking the Minister of Finance for some comments on this statement later on in question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.