Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under this item on page 9-20, NWT Arts Council, I want to just raise a concern that has been brought to many Members here from the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre for some assistance with their core funding. I just wanted to lay out the situation here where currently the northern arts centre, I think a lot of Members are aware that this facility was set up by community volunteers. They raised a lot of money to set this up and it is a very important institution in our city. I think arts and cultural activities and performances are a very integral part of any civilized society. It is something that is very appreciated and valued by the Yellowknife citizens. It certainly brings lots of cultural performances that people enjoy. But the facility is in under serious deterioration. It does need some assistance. They do raise a lot of money from selling tickets to their performances and through various funding organizations. I think what should be made aware is under the funding structures that the GNWT has, they have to apply for money along with every other society and cultural group. The only burden they have that others don't have is that they have to maintain a facility that does cost money, that does need capital investment, it does need capital replacement and such. When you look at the Yukon Arts Centre, and the Yukon has a larger population than we do and I don't think Whitehorse is much bigger than Yellowknife, yet the Yukon government gives $500,000 for core funding to their Yukon Arts Centre. Whereas, NACC gets a mere $30,000 a year from the GNWT.

What's more, Mr. Chairman, the City of Yellowknife gives $40,000 to this organization, and I think it's a real shame that the GNWT gives less than what the city does. The organization is in a serious financial situation and I just want to know if the Minister would look at his programs and see whether the government's contribution to this important organization could have any chance of improvement. Thank you.