Hear, Hear.
Mr. Speaker, I feel a sense of new life and excitement coming from across the room with the possibilities that lay before us. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that we are able to take advantage of these possibilities in the very near future.
However, the reality of the day is that we have very little to celebrate yet. The tax-based community I represent is very concerned with the proposed block-funding cuts and how it will affect its ability to provide adequate programs and services.
Hay River has been asking for a review of the block-funding formula since 1975, as we feel we are being under-funded compared to other tax-based communities. Hay River is proud of how it administers its available funds, and works very hard to live within its limited resources, while maximizing the benefits to the residents.
Mr. Speaker, I am committed to working towards a solution that will see this government reward well-administered municipalities with increased funding, instead of burdening them with more cuts.
If we want our people who administer our programs to be accountable, we must give them the tools, including funds, to do a good job. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.