Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is responsible for assessing the value of all property in the general taxation area. The general taxation area includes all land in the Northwest Territories, except cities, towns and villages. This responsibility is a legislative activity and the Property Assessment and Taxation Act requires that all property values, both land and improvements, must be updated every ten years.

Property assessment is a process used to assign a value to all property in the Northwest Territories. It is necessary that consistent rules or techniques be used by this government's property assessors to make sure that the values of all similar kinds of properties are consistent and fair.

Land value in the general taxation area is based on land development costs. These development costs include such things as the cost of building new roads or providing services like water, sewer and electricity.

Recently in the Deh Cho region, my constituents have been shocked and have been left feeling helpless by the new assessment values placed on their properties as a result of the 1999 assessment notices.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, they have the option to appeal these assessments and, as we all know here in the North, land development costs are high. However, Mr. Speaker, it is this government's responsibility to find innovative ways to lower these costs. How can it be considered fair and equitable for my constituents to be asked to carry the results of our government's lack of initiative in this area?

I will be asking the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs later today, how it can be considered fair and equitable for his department and this government to expect my constituency to bear the burden of these increased assessment values which, down the road in all likelihood, will result in increased property taxes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause