...for people to gather and meet, like granny from Nahanni.
Madam Speaker, I know there are a lot more things that we could add to this list, but for me I would like to just make it clear that it is absolutely unacceptable that in the year of 2005, in one of the most prosperous countries in the world and in an area with one of the most heated economies within this county of Canada, our residents lack these most basic services.
Madam Speaker, it is absolutely unjustifiable in a budget of over $1 billion where any given Minister can sign a cheque for $200,000 to $300,000 for a conference here and a conference there and a study this, study that, that we have communities without these services.
Madam Speaker, I believe fundamentally that strong communities are good for the NWT and strong communities are strong for the capital city of Yellowknife. I also know that the current Minister of Finance was a very strong and articulate advocate for zero-based budgeting when he used to sit next to me on this side of the House. I look forward to pursuing this matter further in the days to come.
In closing, Madam Speaker, may I just send special greetings to all the people in Tuktoyaktuk, Fort McPherson and Fort Liard who always tell me that they always watch us on TV. Hello to all. Thank you.
---Applause