Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the importance of recognizing the values of balance and fairness. In our western democratic tradition, these values are at the centre of our model of governance. This is even more so in our unique consensus style of government.

We recognize that the government cannot control everything. Development and economic activity will happen where certain resources naturally occur. Demand, markets and world prices in the commodity sector will affect investment in exploration and development.

We heard the enthusiastic tone of the Minister of Finance's budget speech, but I would like to ask my colleagues on both sides of the House to continually ask ourselves if we as a government have done everything possible to ensure our financial resources are being invested in a way which fairly recognizes the importance of all regions.

The constant lens of government needs to be balanced in fairness in everything we do. Mr. Speaker, I want to underline that no one begrudges prosperity in Yellowknife. Indeed, it is the quest of all our communities and prosperity is at the heart of the aspirations of every community large and small, urban and rural.

However, we recognize that development spawns more development. This economic activity then feeds on itself. When we attend to our duties here in the capital it is easy to become discouraged and even sometimes downright depressed about the corresponding level of activity in the communities that we represent. It is hard to see the balance. I notice that the word balance was mentioned quite frequently today in the budget address.

I have a simple solution. Let's draw a map, look at recent and current activity within GNWT control and ensure that no region is being left behind. It sounds so simple, but we cannot forget about any group, any sector, any region or any community. Our strength is in our diversity. Yes, we have a promising resource sector and we are thankful for that, but do we need to have the consequent development and activity from this sector all based in the capital?

Mr. Speaker, surely we should ask the following question. Every time a new initiative or opportunity arises, can this function or activity reasonably be directed outside of Yellowknife, whether it is centres of excellence and centralized functions arising from the Health and Social Services plan, federal jobs being devolved from Ottawa, or a new Energy Secretariat, new capital infrastructure with associated programs and jobs -- does it have to all happen in Yellowknife?

I would strongly suggest...