Mr. Speaker, I wish to raise the issue of access to information. We are now in an age where information and access to information is a key to success in education, work place, business and politics. I am very concerned that in our smaller communities we are without relevant access to timely information, which could be the difference between life and death, the difference between acquiring or missing a business opportunity, the difference in being adequately prepared for post-secondary education or not.
Mr. Speaker, at one time this government had a field service clerk program which through a small office in the communities was a conduit with which all types of information was passed and retrieved. The amount of information that passes through this government in itself is enormous, which is why we require staff to digest it and condense it into a form that is meaningful to us. Put yourself in the place of an individual in the community that has limited access to information and when they do receive the information from this government, or anyone else for that matter, what does it mean to them?
It has only been in the last few years that telephone service has been readily available in the smaller communities. The cost of developing such infrastructure is great, thereby eliminating access to the Internet unless people are willing to pay a higher cost than their neighbours in a community such as Yellowknife and Hay River. Residents in my constituency are aware of the business and economic opportunities knocking on their door. However, to capture these and prepare for these opportunities, access to information is vital.
I would encourage this government to assess the information requirements of the smaller communities such as those in my riding to determine what it is that would make access to information easier. A start would be to identify and hire a person in the communities who is proactive, who can work with the seniors and the youth, who knows the communities and knows how to access government departments and move as a conduit for those seeking information.
Mr. Speaker, this may seem trivial to some of the Members sitting here today and may seem trivial to those persons who now enjoy timely access to information, but for those people with limited or no access it is important for their future and for the future of their children that this is something this government should reflect on and take action on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause