Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to speak on the need to keep the Workers' Compensation Board in the central, downtown core of Yellowknife. I believe that if this government allows the Workers' Compensation Board to build outside this core, it will contribute to the continued diminishment of the viability of our downtown. Many downtown businesses have made a significant investment in Yellowknife. What message does this send to them? It appears to be nothing but a slap in the face. But what message does it send to industry? They can only wonder what is happening to our city. Many of these businesses have been part of the growing downtown for a number of years, but this shows no continued support and does not stand by them. Removal of 150 employees does nothing for the restaurants, the coffee shops, the clothing stores, et cetera, downtown, to keep our vibrant downtown hustling and bustling.
Mr. Speaker, these same businesses have made concentrated efforts to revitalize the downtown core. Take, for example, the City of Yellowknife. It has done much to clean up the landscape. The RCMP, in its recent drug bust, is, clearly, a testament to cleaning up the downtown. Where is this government's support?
Mr. Speaker, we only have to look at the effects that moving government offices out of the downtown core contributed to the cities of Edmonton, and even Winnipeg. I know that Edmonton had to really struggle to encourage investment back into their downtown core. Everybody knows that, in the '70s, after 6:00, it was, truly, a virtual ghost town.
So I say, Mr. Speaker, I do not want our capital city to suffer in this way. We have the ability and, indeed, we have the responsibility, as a government, to help the downtown core retain, and regain, its vibrancy as a central role in the life of our community, Mr. Speaker, before we start seeing the problems associated with an inner city.
I am not going to argue whether it makes business sense for the WCB to own and operate its own building. We all know that they presently own their own condo space, but I suspect it would be the same argument as the territorial courthouse. There is probably a business case there somewhere. However, Mr. Speaker, I will argue that the WCB does not need a prestigious address, looking over a lake or any other special area, to serve injured workers and their employers. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to you that, if the WCB builds any building, it should be a utilitarian office. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?