Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was going to make a statement on another matter, but my colleagues seem to be reading my notes and making those statements beforehand.
Today, I am very happy the community of Lutsel K'e, along with Rae Lakes and Wha Ti, will be included in funding for Internet access. This is possible through the community access program funded by the federal government. Perhaps this government can get involved with the nurturing of this and similar programs that have been introduced by other agencies.
It is programs like this that will bring small, isolated communities such as Lutsel K'e into the communication age. The sooner this is done, the better equipped we will be to be true partners in the Canadian and global economies. Today's global economy is so important. People can learn about each other and their land, culture and environment. The Internet is becoming a primary tool for this.
They can use this information and technology for everything from tourism development to attracting investment for areas of our economy. It will also educate our people about other cultures, and at the same time gain an appreciation for our own cultures, that are in dire need of revival.
I look forward to visiting the communities of Lutsel K'e and Fort Resolution with Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew, to get an appreciation of this and other programs, along with the challenges facing these communities. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause