Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the past three months that I have spent as an MLA, I have become very concerned about the lack of recognition for the North Slave region in the budget. Money is allocated for the North Slave region and yet that money ends up being spent on items outside of my area.
For example, Fred Henne Park improvements and Ingraham Trail signs are paid for from the North Slave budget. In the actual North Slave region, which is Rae, Rae Lakes, Wha Ti and Snare Lakes, it seems as though there is no funding for parks or anything of the sort. As well, when money is allocated for highways, my region is grouped in with Fort Smith. Mr. Speaker, as I am sure the Members know, the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council are negotiating the final agreement right now. We will have our own government and land claim area.
I urge the government to recognize this and to reflect the status of the North Slave region in the June budget and future business plans by excluding Yellowknife from the North Slave area. As well, there is no need to include the North Slave in with the Fort Smith region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause