Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am making a statement today with somewhat of a difference. It is a statement that has not been prepared by me. It is prepared by one of my constituents, a young lady by the name of Shannon Graf. She is a grade nine student at St. Patrick's High School and she is here with us today in the Legislative Assembly as part of a national program called Bring Your Kids to Work Today. She is also here along with Stephanie Johnson who is also doing a similar project here at the Legislative Assembly. Shannon is job shadowing her mother Laurell Graf who works here as a researcher. Over the past several weeks she has been researching and writing a statement that I could present in the House. It is entitled: "Why Live in Yellowknife?" She researched the Territorial Government Archives and Library, the city websites, reviewed newspapers, visited City Hall and collected information and statistics. As a researcher, her mother showed her how to organize and write information for a Member's statement. While this statement I am about to make is much longer than the two and a half minute statement we are allowed, Mr. Speaker, I hope you will understand when I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. I am sure you and the other Members will appreciate how well prepared and interesting this statement is. As I said, Mr. Speaker, it is entitled: "Why Live in Yellowknife?"
In recent years, the Northwest Territories has faced difficult economic times. Residents have had to deal with government cutbacks in spending and jobs. Some of our northern communities have experienced the downsizing and closure of local industries, the economics of which were fundamental to the community.
However, with a balanced budget, the signing of the new funding agreement for the new western Northwest Territories, and the realization of the diamond industry, the economic future in the north appears to be anything but dark.
Mr. Speaker, the City of Yellowknife faced the economic storm alongside other communities in the Northwest Territories.
I am proud of how the residents and the city weathered these adverse times and do believe the future for our community to be improving.
In 1996, the census indicated that the City of Yellowknife had a population of 17,275. All indications are that the city is on the verge of another period of growth.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.