Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we talk about the vision of the Northwest Territories, we talk about the potential we have. Mr. Speaker, one of the most valuable assets is the people of the Northwest Territories and the people in our communities which make up some 27 small communities in the Northwest Territories. Yet, Mr. Speaker, those communities face challenges over and above the requirements of trying to accomplish capacity within our communities and having the authority to make decisions and also to be able to have the resources to build capacity in the communities.

Mr. Speaker, the approach that we take today is that someone comes into town, asks what your capital needs are then they tell you, well, sorry, you have to follow the rules. The rules are based on three criteria which the communities have to meet. The criteria are structured in such a way that they are solely to the benefit of government and government departments. They are not there to benefit communities by way of the community's wish list. For years we have heard of budget cuts, we have heard of how you cannot establish community infrastructure such as a skating rink, a ball diamond, and road improvements because of health concerns.

Mr. Speaker, the capital process we have today does not satisfy the needs of communities. The process we have is from the top down, not from the bottom up. Mr. Speaker, we as Members of the House from the small communities have to practically fight to prove to this government that a capital requirement is the result of water contamination, people telling our communities there is a boil water order. The environmental health officer has to address it or you have to bring in a fire marshal to prove that you have a building that is not safe.

I for one, Mr. Speaker, have fought for capital in my riding, in my communities, and I for one take the health of my constituents seriously. I for one, feel offended when government officials come to our communities...Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.