Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House in total frustration. The reason for this, Mr. Speaker, is really quite simple. Over the past many months, my community of Rae-Edzo has identified many short comings within the current municipal funding formula which has had detrimental effects on the way the hamlet operates. Months ago, the hamlet produced a report that in summary states the current formula does not give my community its fair and equitable share of the available funding and, in fact, proves that Rae-Edzo is one of the lowest funded non tax-based municipalities in the NWT. In reviewing this document, I could not believe the injustice that has been on going.
I give an example, under the general Government's Services Department the Hamlet of Rae-Edzo received $143,306 a year in a community of 1,615 residents. In comparison, the community of Sachs Harbour with 137 residence receives $148,593 for the same department. Is this fair and equitable?
Over the past months the mayor of Rae-Edzo and myself met with Ms. Thompson during the community tours prior to Christmas. Ms. Thompson came to Rae-Edzo and was given a tour of our community by the mayor. The meeting that took place at that time I was told went very well. We thought things were moving in the right direction. The Department of MACA does realize there are problems with the funding formula in Rae-Edzo and are committed to doing something about it, which is fine. However, we have been told that this work will not be completed until possibly September or October which is too late and will not fulfil the commitment that Ms. Thompson has made to my mayor. We need action now, and not eight months from now. I would, at this time, like to remind the Minister that over the course of our term, I, along with my constituents, have supported her and have never been negative towards her initiatives. It is now time for her to come forward and assist my community in solving the problems that have been put upon them by this and previous governments over the years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause/Hear! Hear!