Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, the hamlet of Broughton Island has stressed to me the need for a large hamlet office. I have been to Broughton Island many times and I agree. The staff of the hamlet office are very hard working and need more space to accommodate additional staff and an increased workload.

Importantly, the office has been showing its age. Operating and maintenance costs are increasing each year. For example, the roof also leaks. It has been leaking for the last couple years but there has not been any money to fix it. This needs to be repaired as soon as possible. The leaks present a danger to the staff and their computers. These substandard conditions are unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

The community of Broughton Island has grown since the hamlet office was first completed 18 years ago. The office was originally designed for a smaller staff. Now there is a lot more staff than offices. Many of the staff have to share already overcrowded offices.

The hamlet office provides not only general administration for the community, but houses the lands office, employment assistance office, a finance officer to name a few services and staff. With community empowerment devolving additional responsibilities each year, more positions are expected to be relocated to the hamlet office. The hamlet office in Broughton Island needs more office space and their roof fixed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause