Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to address an issue important to Nahendeh and other regions in the Northwest Territories: adequate regional representation. Yellowknife and Hay River seem to have consideration based on representation and attention on many issues. Their size and accessibility to administration gives them a considerable advantage over policies and implementation. This policy must address these inequalities and implement the policies of our previous governments to have balanced regional representation.
Reviewing the NWT Public Committees, Boards and Councils Handbook, other than regional ones, the Nahendeh has only a handful of committees, boards and councils with regional representation. The following are just a few high profile examples which lack: Territorial Board of Revision; Worker's Compensation Board; Worker's Compensation Board Appeals Tribunal; Safety Advisory Committee; Public Utilities Board; NWT Power Corporation's board; NWT Social Assistance Appeal Board; Liquor Licensing Board; and I can go on, Mr. Speaker. Out of roughly 35 committees, boards and councils, almost 29 have no regional representation from Nahendeh. Furthermore, it would be partially understandable if these groups had only one or two members, but many of these groups often have up to 10 members and with no reason for regional exclusion.
Another alarming trend I found was the enormous percentage of committees, boards and councils with all, or high numbers of, representation from Yellowknife alone. Why does the government, who continues to pride themselves on the diverse culture, unique geography and being a government of the people, continue to alienate the regions with little or no representation? The following are a few examples of committees, boards and councils with all Yellowknife representation: Student Financial Assistance Appeal Board; Public Records Committee; NWT Judicial Remuneration Commission; Medical Registration Committee. Residents of the NWT recognize some committees, boards and councils require considerable expertise and experience in this field. However, even these groups must...