Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, over the course of this session, I have pushed to ensure that the shortfalls within the municipal funding formula for the communities of Rae-Edzo are fair and equitable. I know the Minister has instructed her staff to work with the hamlet to ensure this historical problem has been resolved. I am confident that Ms. Thompson will make history in the near future by finally correcting this problem that has been around since the community was established in 1971.

However, Mr. Speaker, I am not sure why my community and myself did not receive support from other colleagues from Yellowknife. I would like, at this time again, I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Ootes, for his support and efforts. Mr. Ootes sees the entire picture, where I guess, my other colleagues from Yellowknife do not.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell this House a few facts about the marriage between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife. For years now, many people in Yellowknife have thought of Rae-Edzo as the small Dogrib community down the highway. This is true compared to Yellowknife. Rae-Edzo has a population of approximately 2,000 residents and is the largest Dene community in the Northwest Territories. Rae-Edzo has a very small business base, basically as the result of having Yellowknife so close. Rae-Edzo contributes millions of dollars every year to businesses, charitable organizations and entertainment facilities within Yellowknife. This happens year in and year out. It is a permanent relationship formed by pure economics and in some cases, a detriment to the overall growth of Rae-Edzo.

Mr. Speaker, many people over the years have recognized this relationship, the mayor of Yellowknife, the president of the chamber of commerce, private businesses and others. However, when it comes to support over a fundamental issue such as the municipal funding formula, the truth is finally told.

As we see it, Mr. Speaker, what is good for Rae-Edzo, ultimately is good for Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause.