This is page numbers 1299 - 1354 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was chairman.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Roger Allen, Honourable Jim Antoine, Mr. Bell, Mr. Braden, Mr. Delorey, Mr. Dent, Mrs. Groenewegen, Honourable Joe Handley, Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. Lee, Mr. McLeod, Honourable Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Nitah, Honourable Jake Ootes, Mr. Roland, Honourable Vince Steen, Honourable Tony Whitford

---Prayer

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 1299

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Colleagues, before I go to the first item, I would just like to direct your attention to the presence in visitors' gallery of several delegates from the Western Arctic Aboriginal Head Start Program. Please make them welcome.

---Applause

They will only be here for a short time. They have other business to attend to. Item 2, Ministers' statements.

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

Mr. Speaker at the beginning of this fiscal year, I provided Members of the Legislative Assembly with an update on hydro development opportunities in the North and outlined some plans to pursue those opportunities. These plans included:

  • • Entering into an MOU with the Tulita Yamouria Secretariat and the Deline Land Corporation to pursue the opportunity of supplying hydro power to the Mackenzie Valley pipeline from a development on the Great Bear Lake.
  • • Entering into a MOU with the Akaitcho Regional Investment Corporation and the South Slave Metis Economic Corporation to pursue business opportunities related to the development of the Taltson River system and supplying the De Beers Mine at Snap Lake with hydro power.

I would like to provide Members with an update on the results of these two initiatives.

south Slave
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1299

Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

In the South Slave, the technical feasibility work for a development to supply the Snap Lake Mine has been progressing on schedule. Detailed discussions with De Beers are underway to determine:

  • • The exact power requirements of the mine.
  • • The power solution that is the best fit. We may need to initially supply the mine with diesel power if hydro power cannot be guaranteed to be onsite for the mine's opening. A decision on this issue is expected by the end of October.

Representatives of our Akaitcho and Metis partners are involved in these meetings and will be involved in any power solution developed for the Snap Lake Mine. The MOU with the Akaitcho and Metis was signed in June and contribution agreements have been in place since July. We had hoped to have a detailed memorandum of intent in place by September, but as I am sure the Members can appreciate, it is a complicated process. All parties are working together in good faith and we hope to have a detailed agreement in place in the coming months.

sahtu
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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Joe Handley

Joe Handley Weledeh

In the Sahtu, the MOU with our Deline and Tulita partners has been in place since April and it contained the following objectives:

a) to conduct pre-feasibility work on the hydroelectricity development on the Bear River that can provide power to a proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

b) to develop a detailed MOI between the Energy Corporation, Deline and Tulita.

c) to engage in discussions with the Mackenzie Valley Producers Group for the purchase of hydroelectric power.

We have an excellent working relationship with the Deline Land Corporation and the Tulita Yamouria Secretariat and I am pleased to report we have made substantial progress in a number of areas.

  • • Deline and Tulita working group members have made presentations to schools and to elders.
  • • Detailed models and posters have been produced that will show the people of Deline and Tulita what a development on the Great Bear River will look like.
  • • A group that included Deline and Tulita elders and youth have traveled to Winnipeg to learn about similar hydro developments and to meet with the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to learn from their experience with hydro development.
  • • Additional pre-feasibility work has been completed and the potential of this development continues to look very promising.
  • • Deline, Tulita and the Energy Corporation personnel have worked together to produce a draft MOI that will be completed this fall.
  • • Three meetings have been held with Imperial Oil to discuss the potential for hydroelectricity to power the pipeline.

The last meeting held with Imperial Oil was held on September 17th. A proposal on the concept of providing hydroelectric power to the pipeline was provided to Imperial and a presentation was given by Leroy Andre from Deline. Imperial had previously raised a number of issues that this presentation appeared to address. We are currently waiting for an official reply from Imperial and expect further discussions to focus on the issue of pricing.

I have stated many times the development of our hydroelectric resources will be the key to long-term sustainability of the North. Large scale industry should be encouraged to utilize this clean power where feasible to do so. Communities will benefit from a source of clean, affordable power and future generations will have a lasting legacy. An economic renewable source of power has the potential to be the backbone of the NWT economy long after our non-renewable resources are depleted. The government will be faced with many challenging decisions that will impact the long-term sustainability of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

sahtu
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Colleagues, you will forgive me for not having done something here. I would like to draw your attention to the stranger in the House today. Please help me welcome, in his observer role today, the Clerk-designate, Mr. Tim Mercer.

---Applause

The new Clerk will be sworn in as our Clerk on October 10th. That is Friday. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today to advise my colleagues of the actions being taken by the Government of the Northwest Territories to assist the workers affected by the Miramar Con Mine closure.

Mr. Speaker, with the Premier and my Cabinet colleagues, we have coordinated efforts to respond in an effective and timely manner to support our residents by identifying options available to assist those whose lives are being affected.

The people who are going to feel the most impact are the families involved. Within these families, we have our friends, our neighbours, volunteers in all our sectors, our sports coaches, people who have added so much to the fabric of the community.

As well as the changes for the workers' lives, Mr. Speaker, there will be an economic impact. We are speaking of the loss of many direct and indirect jobs from the Yellowknife economy. Mr. Speaker, as a government, we are doing our utmost to support those affected by the closure of this mine.

Through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment we are working in conjunction with Human Resources Development Canada to provide direct support for the employees of Miramar Con Mine. ECE is ensuring that workers are receiving informational sessions on a regular basis. These sessions highlight the options available to people for retraining, upgrading, work search skills, student financial assistance, self-employment option, apprenticeship training and training on the job.

ECE will also be working closely with David Milne, a consultant hired by Miramar Con Mine to assist workers with their transition planning to ensure their needs are being met.

Mr. Speaker, another GNWT department that has been active on this issue is the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. While Miramar and the city of Yellowknife are the key partners to initiate the potential land transfer process, MACA continues to participate on a number of committees established to review environmental and process-related issues regarding the potential surrender and transfer of the trailer court lands.

MACA has been represented on the Con/Rycon Land Acquisition Subcommittee since its inception in 2001 and has provided technical information and land transfer procedural advice to the committee. MACA is also a member of the GNWT's task team established to develop options and strategies for dealing with environmental and risk mitigation issues associated with the potential transfer of the trailer court lands and to provide advice on an as-and-when needed basis.

The final piece of this transition plan comes, Mr. Speaker, through the closing of the facility itself. Historically, abandoned mines have been associated with a legacy of environmental degradation in the NWT. With the announced closure, the need for an effective abandonment and reclamation plan of the Miramar Con Mine has taken on a renewed importance. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Municipal and Community Affairs and Health and Social services are working with the federal government, municipal governments, aboriginal organizations and the mining industry to review Miramar's proposed plan. Mr. Speaker, through this broad-based approach, we will ensure that this mine's legacy does not include long-term environmental degradation.

Since taking over the operation of the Con Mine in 1993, Miramar Mining Limited has contributed positively to the overall prosperity of the Northwest Territories. We anticipated that the company will continue to act as a good corporate citizen as the mine now prepares for closure.

Through this broad-based approach, Mr. Speaker, we intend to help the employees, the community and the territory during this period of transition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to talk today about the accomplishments of the Department of Public Works and Services during the 14th Assembly.

I am especially proud of the contribution that Public Works and Services has made to the interdepartmental team working on the safe water initiative. Public Works and Services, along with Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, have collaborated on a number of activities aimed at ensuring that every NWT community has safe drinking water.

These efforts include practical approaches, like inspecting and assessing the water supply systems in all non-tax-based communities, providing technical advice and assistance to community water system operators, and assisting with planning of facility improvements. The department also led development of a framework and strategy for managing the NWT drinking water system which will be used to guide future system improvements. The success of Public Works and Services staff and other members of the team in ensuring safe drinking water is reflected in the test results that are now posted on the Internet as part of the Public Works and Services Web site.

Another important step taken to ensure the health of NWT residents has been the completing of environmental assessments of the tank farms operated through the petroleum products division. As part of our voluntary compliance agreement with RWED, the department has developed a plan for remediation of sites, beginning this year at several locations.

During the last four years, Mr. Speaker, many important facilities have been built across the NWT. The total value of these projects exceeds $164 million. I would like to highlight a few of the projects. Two of the largest and most complex buildings ever managed by the department were constructed in Yellowknife and Inuvik. Other projects, such as the new Fort McPherson water source and the renovations to several schools in the South Slave, are providing services locally. Whatever the program area, the efforts of Public Works and Services staff have benefited residents throughout the North.

Mr. Speaker, because of its broad expertise in construction and operation of northern facilities, PWS has been developing publications to assist communities and contractors in the design and construction of northern facilities. The good building practice manual has been well received by the construction industry and serves as a guide for design consultants. A booklet and checklist on fire prevention in public buildings has been widely distributed and actively used. A third publication is almost ready for publication. That one is called Good Engineering Practice for Northern Water and Sewer Systems. It will serve as an additional building block in the structure that is in place to protect our community drinking water.

On the national scene, Mr. Speaker, PWS has taken the lead in representing NWT interests before the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission. The result of this work has been the designation of the three territories as high-cost serving areas. Southern telephone companies are now required to subsidize NorthwesTel operations. With this support, NorthwesTel has started a $75 million, four-year system improvement plan that will result in a total infrastructure upgrade to their facilities, and thus better quality telecommunications services for residents. We can now expect to get the same basic array of telecommunication services in our small northern communities as are available in larger centres in southern Canada. Moreover we continue to pay for these services at rates that are comparable to other jurisdictions rather than at rates that reflect the much higher cost of providing the service in the North.

Many of the services that Public Works and Services provides are designed to support departments in the delivery of their programs. While they may not be visible to those outside of government, they are critical for the effective delivery of the programs that northern residents rely on. Nowhere are these services more important than in the field of computer systems and data communications. The department has recently established a storage area network to support introduction of major data systems that are under development by various departments. They have also improved computer security by implementing a corporate firewall, virus protection and spam filtering systems. In Yellowknife, a fibre optics network has been set up to handle the large amount of data being transmitted between GNWT buildings.

Mr. Speaker, I have enjoyed my years as Minister of Public Works and Services. It is a practical department, providing concrete services that have an impact on our everyday lives. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at PWS for their hard work and loyal support throughout these years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise before the Members of this Assembly today to report on the achievements made by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation over the term of this Legislative Assembly. The corporation's achievements over the past four years include new initiatives designed to tackle specific housing issues, improved programs and services, and a continuing commitment to improving housing conditions for the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the corporation developed the affordable housing strategy in 2001 to address specific housing issues in the Northwest Territories and in response to growing concerns over the availability and affordability of housing. This strategy resulted in the development and construction of approximately 650 housing units over a four-year period. Under the affordable housing strategy, new public housing units were constructed to house seniors and singles. As well, the independent homeownership program and the expanded down-payment assistant program allowed for the construction of new private homes. Through its support of the private housing industry, the affordable housing strategy also facilitated the construction...

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Minister Allen, may I interrupt for a moment. Would you be able to slow down your statement? The interpreters are having a difficult time keeping up with you. Thank you.

Roger Allen

Roger Allen Inuvik Twin Lakes

My apologies, Mr. Speaker. I am trying to recognize the time on the clock. Thank you. Through its support of the private housing industry, the affordable housing strategy also facilitated the construction of private rental market units.

The Housing Corporation's mandate of improving housing conditions throughout the Northwest Territories has allowed it to assist not only those in core need, but to assist working families who need help dealing with our high cost of living. The fuel rebate initiative delivered in 2000 provided assistance to help households cope with the increased cost of heating fuel. On behalf of the GNWT, the corporation assisted 3349 families, with a total payment of $922,000.

The Housing Corporation remains committed to increasing the impact of the housing industry on employment and business development. One aspect of the corporation's commitment to industry is the corporate loan guarantee program. This program provides interim financing to lending institutions, helping to stimulate the development of private market housing. As of March 31, 2003, guarantees totaling $13.1 million were in place on projects valued at a total of $26 million.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most significant achievements of the Housing Corporation over the past four years is the development of a strategy to tackle the issue of homelessness in the Northwest Territories. The Housing Corporation has long recognized the plight of the homeless, and programs such as the affordable housing strategy, the singles housing initiative, and various hard to house initiatives have all made important contributions to the fight against homelessness. Under my direction, an interdepartmental working group was created, and the working group produced the homelessness strategy paper. This paper pulls together the important programs being offered by the corporation, along with programs offered by the departments of Justice, Health and Social Services, and Education, Culture and Employment. It offers important recommendations that will help us make a significant impact on the problem. Through cooperation with community partners, the corporation is creating an environment of support to help homeless people.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation remains committed to improving housing conditions in the Northwest Territories. By examining creative solutions and working closely with our partners, we can make meaningful change to the residents of the NWT. My recent meeting with my federal counterpart, the Honourable Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State for Selected Crown Corporations, as well as the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew summarizes the spirit of this success. The meeting was held in Yellowknife and included senior officials of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation as well as our own NWT Housing Corporation.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for both groups to identify common issues, shared challenges and discuss new ways that each organization could help to provide support to the other. Mr. Speaker, we also used this opportunity to identify important housing issues facing NWT residents and sought assistance and support from our federal counterparts to assist with identifying solutions.

Some of the key discussions included obtaining support from our partners in CMHC to assist the NWT to look at a new funding formula. It is clear that a simple per capita funding model cannot and will not solve the complex housing problems that the NWT faces. We were encouraged by our federal partners, as Secretary of State Mahoney clearly recognized the substantial contribution that GNWT has made to housing of $48.5 million, compared to the CMHYC contribution under the affordable housing agreement of $7.5 million over five years. This meeting facilitated an opportunity for the NWT Housing Corporation to inform CMHC of the progress it has been making under the affordable housing strategy as well as clearly outline the need for increased federal commitment.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the meeting was an excellent opportunity for both organizations to discuss new ideas and possible solutions to housing problems. It is clear that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the NWT Housing Corporation can share resources and ideas to work together to help resolve housing challenges for all residents of the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all Ministers' statements with the Clerk can be delivered today.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. The Minister is seeking unanimous consent to complete all of the Ministers' statements that are before the House today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may complete your statement, Mr. Steen.

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1302

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak about the accomplishments of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs during the 14th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, the last four years have been a challenge for all of us. The Department of MACA has risen to that challenge. While continuing to provide both general support and direct assistance to communities through programs and services, we have also managed to respond to community interests and priorities by adding new programs.

A key component of MACA's programs has always been our support for community governments. One of our most important contributions is the financial aid we provide to community governments, which ensures they have the necessary tools and resources to address their needs. Since 2001, MACA has worked on revising our approach to community government funding in order to provide community governments with a workable and appropriate level of funding. We took 10 individual programs, which has provided inequitable levels of funding to community governments, and replaced them with three simplified programs relating to community funding formula, infrastructure funding and request for extraordinary funding. I am glad to report that the new approach reduces the administrative burden for communities and increases community authority and responsibility, while providing greater flexibility to address community priorities.

Mr. Speaker, many MLAs may have heard recently of the difficulties facing community governments in acquiring insurance. MACA has worked extensively with the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to provide funding and support for the creation of the northern communities insurance exchange. This will give our community governments access to a workable and cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance.

Mr. Speaker, MACA is not just a source of funding for community governments. We continue to play an important role in the training needs of community government staff through the delivery of programs from our School of community Government. Since its inception, the school has provided training for senior administrative officers, housing managers, lands officers, bylaw officer training, and finance and public works management. In addition, the introduction of occupational standards and certification for senior administrative officers and other community employees provides professional recognition and certainty regarding competence. These activities demonstrate the department's commitment to develop the abilities for community government councils and employees so that they can manage increasing authorities and responsibilities. MACA will continue to develop and deliver programs as additional. Training requirements are identified.

Mr. Speaker, we believe that our programs must meet the needs of all community governments. For those communities that are non-tax-based, MACA has established two new programs: the community initiatives program and the main street chip sealing program. The community initiatives program is a way of assisting the non-tax-based...

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

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The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

There is a Point of Order raised. Mr. Krutko, what is your Point of Order?

Point Of Order

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1303

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a Point of Order that any issues that are before the House, especially Committee of the Whole, are not to be discussed outside of Committee of the Whole and I believe the Municipal Statutes Replacement Act is in Committee of the Whole.

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1303

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you. The honourable Member has stated that the matter that is being spoken of by the Minister is in Committee of the Whole. There are times when the chair acts stringently on it and other times when we are a little bit more relaxed. Although the honourable Member is correct, the matter is in Committee of the Whole, it's not in contravention with that and it doesn't harm it in any way. So I will rule the Point of Order out of order. Continue, Mr. Minister.

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1303

Vince Steen

Vince Steen Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The community initiatives program is a way of assisting the non-tax-based communities to address local priorities in the areas of families and youth, healthy lifestyles and safety education with a special emphasis on active living. Main street chip sealing program also improves the quality of life for residents in these communities by improving road conditions and reducing dust. MACA continues to work to address the concerns and needs of non-tax-based communities in other ways.

In 2001, MACA provided community governments with support and assistance for monitoring community financial issues. Financial and auditing standards were developed to provide community governments with a baseline for reporting purposes. A community financial trends monitoring report was begun in 2000 and is now updated annually to provide community governments and MACA with the tools to identify issues which can be improved upon.

Mr. Speaker, issues related to land have always been high on the agenda of MACA. To help us better manage Commissioner's land in the NWT, MACA has developed a land administration strategic plan which will set out a framework and provide direction for future administration of Commissioner's land within the NWT. Another tool recently developed by MACA is the administration of Territorial Lands Act system, also known as ATLAS, which serves to integrate graphical and textural information for each parcel of Commissioner's land in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, while this technology is new and under development, it will serve as an important tool for community governments, aboriginal governments and any other stakeholders with an interest in land management.

Mr. Speaker, when possible, MACA shares costs and programs with other departments and governments in an effort to economize. I am pleased to report that through a partnership with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, MACA expects to have satellite imagery for 25 communities in place by the end of 2003.

Mr. Speaker, MACA has also worked hard over the past four years to revitalize the sport and recreation system in the NWT. We have increased funding levels to community governments and regional recreational associations. We have established regional staff positions to help us better promote active living, sport and recreation. MACA took the lead in the department of an active living strategy in 2002-2003. I fully expect that, during the life of this government, MACA will complete establishment of a new governance structure for sport and recreation. This will help us better ensure an equitable access to programs and funding for all communities.

MACA continues to develop and support programs related to water and sewer by cost sharing water and sewage treatment expenses for tax-based municipalities along with assisting non-taxed-based communities to correct water and sewer system deficiencies. As we undertake this work in partnership with other GNWT departments and community governments, we recognize that water quality and sewage disposal are critically important for the health and well-being of all NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that during the 14th Legislative Assembly, legislative change has also taken place. We have made amendments to the Fire Prevention Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and the Real Estate Agents' Licensing Act. More recently, I am pleased to report that the Municipal Statutes Replacement Act is currently before the House. I anticipate that this very important legislation will be enacted before the end of the 14th Assembly and will give our community government partners the tools they need to effectively address current issues as well as plan for the ongoing evolution fog governance in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, this is a summary of some of our more noteworthy programs and accomplishments during the last four years. Programs and funding are wonderful things but they are nothing without the dedication and support of the people who work in this area. Community leaders and staff, recreation professionals and community volunteers make things happen in our communities. Associations and organizations work to advance community issues on a regional and territorial basis. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 120 professionals who make up MACA's workforce. It is a pleasure to thank all of my staff, both at headquarters and in regional offices, for their dedication, perseverance and commitment to our programs, services and the people we serve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Minister's Statement 105-14(6): Supporting Communities
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

Page 1303

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Rcmp Actions To Combat Crime In Downtown Yellowknife
Item 3: Members' Statements

October 7th, 2003

Page 1303

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the RCMP detained a number of people, made arrests and confiscated alcohol and drugs from adults and minors in downtown Yellowknife. I would like to thank the RCMP for taking action. This kind of operation is necessary to ensure the safety of Yellowknife residents and to protect property in the area. Without such an RCMP crackdown, it would be like turning a blind eye. We would be saying to people that bad behaviour is okay, but Mr. Speaker, it really isn't. We must send the message that crime, violence and substance abuse is not acceptable behaviour.

Mr. Speaker, the problem will not go away with one weekend of action. So I welcome the RCMP commitment to continue this kind of enforcement because the problem downtown has gotten out of hand.

For over a decade, there's been no increase in the number of officers in the Yellowknife detachment. In a community of nearly 20,000, we have 30 officers. The RCMP says we need another nine. Like nearly all communities in the North, we are suffering because there hasn't been enough money put into policing to keep up with growing populations and crime rates.

Beyond funding for policing, Mr. Speaker, this government has another area of responsibility. The problems we see downtown and more and more in other northern communities are usually the result of social causes. While local communities have some responsibilities, the root causes are a direct responsibility of this government and need more attention. We must look at what causes violence, crime and substance abuse and provide support to our community residents and the agencies that help them.

In the midst of incredible prosperity, there are people in despair. We cannot just sweep them under the rug or into jail cells. That only puts the problem out of sight for a short time. Mr. Speaker, we need to bring more focus on preventing the causes of these dangerous behaviours. We need more support for families living with poverty. We need more programs and funding for community-based family literacy. We must provide more training opportunities for our residents to become part of this great economic boom we are experiencing.

Mr. Speaker, there is nothing new here. We've known all this for quite some time. We know it because people have told us this over and over again. At the founding conference for the social agenda in Hay River, people from across the Territories came with their hearts and minds open and are willing to work with the government to improve social conditions.

However, Mr. Speaker, the government's only real action in response to community concerns outlined in the social agenda today has been to fund demonstration projects. Mr. Speaker, I doubt that any of those enthusiastic participants from the Social Agenda conference have much faith left in the commitment of this government to the Social Agenda. Their efforts, experience and commitments have largely been ignored.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker

The Speaker Tony Whitford

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Dent, you may conclude.