Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,
WHEREAS there is a trend of people moving from smaller communities to larger centres for employment and services;
AND WHEREAS the small communities of the Northwest Territories represent enduring remnants of a traditional social and cultural existence that must be recognized and preserved;
AND WHEREAS the interests of small NWT communities deserve the attention and consideration of the Legislative Assembly;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that this Legislative Assembly establish a Special Joint Committee on Non-Tax-Based Community Affairs;
AND FURTHER, that the special joint committee shall be comprised of four Regular Members and one Member of the Executive Council whose appointment shall be recommended by the Striking Committee;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the terms of reference for the Special Joint Committee on Non-Tax-Based Community Affairs be established as follows:
The Special Joint Committee on Non-Tax-Based Community Affairs shall:
- Consider and make recommendations respecting alleviating adverse socio-economic conditions which may exist in non-tax-based municipalities; and
- Prepare an interim report to the Legislative Assembly by the fall session of 2002; and a final report with recommendations no later than February 2003 that identifies a process or processes whereby the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories can better address the unique needs, concerns and difficulties experienced by non-tax-based communities in the Northwest Territories.
AND FURTHERMORE, that the special joint committee shall:
- a) conduct its business in a manner approved by the committee and in accordance with the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, and which does not impinge or encroach on the mandate of any existing standing or special committees;
- b) conduct its consultation through a maximum of two territorial conferences attended by leaders of non-tax-based communities;
- c) be provided with the necessary administrative and professional support by the Legislative Assembly; and
- d) be provided with the necessary funds to carry out its responsibilities from the appropriations of the Legislative Assembly.
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.