Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some people say, "Think real and get green" with this recyclable legislation. I say, "Think green, but let's get real."
---Laughter
Are we ready, Mr. Speaker, to load up our garbage and move to Beverly?
---Laughter
Recently, on the local radio station, a study was referenced indicating that a lot of people feel that the GNWT is out of touch with the average residents of the NWT with regard to this piece of legislation that is going to be implemented on November 1st.
Mr. Speaker, there are unique conditions and limitations of small and remote communities that have to be taken into consideration. The small communities of Nahendeh have difficulty enough transporting essential goods in and out. This additional burden, through environmental and handling levies, would be just too much. This will require people to pay more, but will get their money back when they return their empties, in a period where the cost of living is skyrocketing and out of control in the communities, and healthy living is quickly becoming a lifestyle of the privileged and the rich. This year, the residents will have to cope with skyrocketing costs of fuel, heating fuels, and groceries, and now this. This is too much, I say, too much.
If there is a program in the community, Mr. Speaker -- that is a big if -- many communities will have to stockpile their recyclables until the barge or winter road is established, unless the GNWT is willing to fly out their recyclables on their many empty charters that go into the communities. Has this government evaluated the skyrocketing costs of fuel and how much fuel it will require to transport the recyclables not only to the nearest depot, but to the nearest facility? Mr. Speaker, the communities are not ready for this type of program, but, perhaps, Yellowknife is.
Lastly, I want to clarify that I have, and will always, support green legislation, Mr. Speaker. I recognize the importance of a healthy environment from having lived most of my years on the land, hunting, harvesting and learning from my elders. Although the fundamental objective is good, their approach needs some changes, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.
---Applause