Mr. Speaker, in reviewing the last Budget Address for this government for the combined Northwest

Territories, I was reminded of the beginning of our term in office. We all came here knowing we had many hard decisions to make that would affect a great deal of our residents and staff members. It was our goal to realize a balanced budget by the end of our term. I would now like to congratulate the honourable Minister of Finance for his tenacity in staying on course and achieving our goals.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have suffered greatly throughout this process and now I feel the worst is over. However, we must remain focused and stay on course. Particularly during the last months before division. It was good to see the issues of funding for the two territories may soon be finalized. This, of course, will bring more stability to both Territories. Work is continuing on the division of assets and liabilities along with other important decisions in this regard to ensure that all aspects of division are done in a fair and equitable manner. This, I believe, shows progress and true commitment from all of us, and also allows us the time needed to review everything prior to division. It is good to see the government is developing new and imaginative methods to assist the important small business sector that is now starting to expand. Small business is a very important sector of our community that over time can provide many new jobs in all of our communities.

The Northwest Territories Investment Tax Credit Program sounds at the outset a very interesting way to provide business with potential investment dollars. This is needed to assist our communities' growth and develop a long term, sustainable economy. From the Minister's statements on the Northern Employment Strategy, this program has succeeded during its first year of operation and I am glad to see that it is again in place and with even more dollars available. I hope this means there will be even more training, job creation and business development. This again is very good for our residents.

However, I would suggest that in order to succeed this program and any other business development programs that we have must be processed in a timely manner. We cannot have proposals coming in then waiting for months to be approved or not. Public/Private Partnerships do seem to be the way to increase our infrastructure and at the same time provide needed jobs and business opportunities. Again I feel we must step softly and carefully in this venture. I would like to be assured that projects that will be considered for this would allow, for smaller businesses and community businesses, the opportunity to be utilized. I do not want to see big businesses given free rein on this. If we are to provide trained residents for all aspects of our economy we must allow for smaller companies and community organizations to prosper.

Over the course of the past year, we have heard from many of my colleagues raising concerns about the lack of housing and the terrible condition of housing units in the communities. With the Accelerated Home Ownership Program, hopefully, we will start to put a dent in this very important concern. We have also heard many times how the cutbacks and downsizing has affected many of our residents. The restructuring of the social programs and the enforcement of income support regulations is getting residents to realize they cannot live by government alone. The introduction of the NWT Child Benefit will definitely help lower income families. It has been said that this money should go directly to the children through a variety of programs. To this all I can say is, it is the parents who must take responsibility for their families. Lastly I would like to congratulate the Minister of Finance again for this budget. I feel it shows we are on the road to rebuilding but yet conservative enough to ensure a balanced budget and a reduction to our overall deficit will take place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause