Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the issue of division and the concern that was raised from Members of the west not only in this Assembly, but outside of this Assembly when it comes to businesses and other people. Mr. Speaker, as we heard earlier, a Western Coalition was formed and through that I represent the Members of the Western Caucus. This coalition was formed early last winter and began on the road of looking at issues that would affect the west when it comes to division. The partnership is made up of the Aboriginal Summit, the NWT Chamber of Commerce, and the NWT Association of Municipalities. All of the western groups of those bodies are represented at the table. I am trying to bring information out here to show people of the west that we are definitely working to ensure that, as division comes, what we have today as services and programs continue to exist after division.
I think the same would be going for the east as they go about their work to ensure that we have no less after division than we have today. We struggled through hard times as we have heard earlier when it comes to balancing the budget. I think we have a long road to go, but with the continued cooperation and effort of all parts of the coalition and the Assembly we can get through this without much difficulty. There will be a lot of work and there will be pick-ups along the way, but through hard work and a good effort from all parts, I am sure that we will be able to see compromises come and reach conclusions in the necessary time that we are allotted.
So to let the people of the west know that we are at work not only as an Assembly, but as people from the west to make sure that we look at what impacts will come down because of division. We will look out for the best interests of the western population as well as I am sure the eastern groups will be doing for the east. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause