Bill Braden Great Slave

Everybody have a great spring and we will see you back here in May. Thank you.

---Applause

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I wish to add my voice to my colleague Mr. Robert Villeneuve, and I want to speak of my support for the affirmative action policy. I am in support of the policy. I am a firm believer of providing opportunities to our northerners, born and bred, to our long-time residents and minority groups, so we can get them involved in the process of governing and running the territory. Mr. Speaker, the NWT is a fine example where policies such as ours are beneficial to the development and prosperity of all regions and our people.

The diverse makeup of our shared territory and the recent developments that will continue for many years to come in our North speak to the needs of having true Northerners representing our workforce and our people. New perspectives and unique outlooks can provide many benefits to our communities, especially coming from people we know very well and respect. Mr. Speaker, representation of our people is a defining principle in democracy and I think it is important that we ensure that our affirmative action policy reflects that.

Mr. Speaker, I am a strong proponent for the idea of a hand-up, not a handout. So I believe the affirmative action policy, correctly implemented, will continue to provide great opportunities for young people for employment, people representing their people, young generations seeing true northerners as role models and inspirations for goodwill and accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say, in closing, an affirmative action policy is no more simply put than it recognizes our people, community supporting community and finally we've got it right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

The Speaker Paul Delorey

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a band called the Barenaked Ladies sings a song called If I Had a Million Dollars. I've always liked the song, Mr. Speaker, so today I have my own version to share with this House.

---Laughter

---Applause

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the rules of this House do not allow guitars or keyboards or even after hearing these backup singers...

---Laughter

...you'll have to bear with me.

Mr. Speaker, if I had a billion dollars, I would ask the elders' council what's best to do. I'll fund them for their wisdom and their view. I'll keep the elders in the Sahtu. I wouldn't ship them south, cause that's cruel.

---Laughter

If I had billion dollars, I'd speed up the chipsealing programs so the elders can greet you.

If I had a billion dollars, I'll contribute to the Chief T'Selehye and Chief Albert Wright schools, install water and sewer facilities in Colville too.

---Laughter

If I had a billion dollars, we'd build log houses, affordable housing so we wouldn't have to live 10 people to a house, cause that'll cause a health issue to you.

Mr. Speaker, if I had a billion dollars, I'd buy an all-weather road to wrap around the Sahtu and then I'd buy a sack of potatoes cause I can finally afford to share them with me and you.

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

Then I'll clean up the contaminated mountain in Tulita while I'm at it too, because that would be cool.

Mr. Speaker, if I had a billion dollars, I'd build a Mackenzie Valley office in the Sahtu. Cabinet could help with Inuvik too.

But if I had a billion dollars, I'd fund the treatment centres so we can all get well and if we could learn to build it ourselves, wouldn't that be swell.

Mr. Speaker, if I had a billion dollars, I'd get energy from the Bear, no more diesel generators, hydro is the way to go.

Norman Yakeleya Sahtu

If I had a billion dollars, I'd host the International Dene Gathering in the Sahtu. I'd invite all my friends, and the Premier can come too.

---Laughter