Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, similar to the territorial government, governments throughout Canada and the United States are adopting community development approaches. This is in response to difficult social and economic conditions. Government budgets are shrinking and communities are demanding more say over priorities, programs and services. We are not the only government to have embraced this change in how we do business.
Mr. Speaker, I recently saw first-hand how the province of Manitoba has approached community development. I was proud to lead an NWT delegation to Brandon, Manitoba to attend the Department of Rural Development's Rural Forum 1998.
This forum was a celebration of community development success. It showcased the community development efforts of rural Manitoba. There were over 350 small business and food product displays, a youth and northern forum, seminars, conferences, workshops, guest speakers and special events.
A northern committee of NWT, Nunavut and northern Manitoba elected officials and staff met for over a day to discuss community development issues and practices in remote communities. This meeting was very positive. The committee has decided to meet again to discuss developing a northern Manitoba/NWT/Nunavut rural forum.
As a result of attending the rural forum, Manitoba is now providing technical expertise to Coral Harbour in country food processing. It is assisting Keewatin communities in developing community-based planning programs. Manitoba is also considering an investment in the Kivalliq Partners in Development, to cost share a trade and investment specialist position.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT is developing a memorandum of understanding with the Province of Manitoba to consider partnership and exchange opportunities that benefit both places. I am glad to say that this partnership is off to a great start. Mr. Speaker, our attendance was organized by the Kivalliq Partners in Development. They provided the support for Keewatin businesses, residents and mayors to attend. They are to be congratulated for developing a partnership with Manitoba that clearly benefits their clients. Mr. Speaker, the Province of Manitoba and community of Brandon provided wonderful hospitality to our delegation. My special thanks to Premier Filmon, Minister Derkach, Brandon's Mayor Atkinson and the people of Manitoba for allowing us to share and experience their rural forum and community development success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause