Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address an issue I have raised in this House on a few occasions. The issue is that of the South Slave region and how Hay River fits into the region. Mr. Speaker, I would like to compare this fit to a marriage, as it has often been referred to just that.

Mr. Speaker, I know from 30 years of marriage that it takes two to tango. In order to make marriages work, you need commitment, trust, communication, cooperation and a sincere willingness to make them work.

I submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that when all of these qualities that I have just mentioned are not present, the end result is a bad marriage and inevitably, bad marriages usually end up in divorce.

Presently, Mr. Speaker, Hay River is in a marriage with the regional government structure in the South Slave. Mr. Speaker, from Hay River's perspective, this marriage is not working now, has not worked in the past and from all indications will not work in the future. Mr. Speaker, this marriage has been referred to in the past as a marriage made in hell. Mr. Speaker, this was at best a shotgun wedding.

-- Laughter

The fact that this marriage is problematic is not news to this government. In fact, it has been brought to their attention on numerous occasions.

Recently, the government undertook a review of the regional structure. By their own admission, things were simple until they got to the South Slave region. Mr. Speaker, the fact that it is problematic and difficult to deal with is not a reason to do nothing. As in most problematic marriages, there are always available services, such as marriage counsellors. Through these services, some marriages may be salvaged. Mr. Speaker, I suggest this government play the role of marriage counsellor, but approach it from a perspective that something has to be done, as the present arrangement is doing nothing to enhance its vision of community empowerment and regional capacity building. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause