Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an ongoing concern that this government is not taking the responsibility of developing our small communities' businesses seriously. This government, through the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, assumed responsibility from the federal government for what is known in the communities as Community Futures. It is my understanding that, upon accepting this responsibility, all communities in the North would have access to the programs offered through this organization.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that additional regional entities have been established, such as the Thebacha Business Development Centre in Fort Smith and the Deh Cho Business Development Centre in Fort Simpson. Thebacha provides lending and business services to Fort Smith, Lutselk'e and Fort Resolution. In Fort Simpson, the Deh Cho Business Development Centre provides services to the communities in Nahendeh.

Mr. Speaker, in the Deh Cho, it is not clear as to what -- if any -- Community Futures organizations provide services to Hay River Reserve, Enterprise, Kakisa or Fort Providence. The information that I have received is that the constituents in my riding do not have access to this program. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that with the expectation of increased resource development, our communities must be provided equal access to business programs. Currently, Mr. Speaker, the people of the Deh Cho riding do not benefit from a program that other communities in the North enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of RWED today during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause