Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to raise the issue of the community capacity building fund. Last August 16th, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs announced this one-time funding with the emphasis on community level control and priorities. In some communities, the expenditure of the money and the projects proposed need to be agreed upon by more than one community government body. This has caused considerable debate and comment from communities as this is a new approach to decision-making. Some of the concerns raised related to whether or not this would set a new precedent for financial resources and funding received by communities from the GNWT and whether consensus could be reached on what the priorities in the community actually were.

This one-time funding in the case of Hay River is $1.964 million. It is intended to be spent on projects that benefit the community and would not result or require ongoing O and M support from this government. I am sure every community, including Hay River, would have no problem coming up with a wish list of projects that are above and beyond what the community or the GNWT normally funds.

To date, I have heard a number of suggestions as to how Hay River could put this money to good use; everything from upgraded equipment for Hay River's public parks and playgrounds, to extension of the sidewalk infrastructure, to alternative schooling options for youth not currently attending school.

Mr. Speaker, it is the intention of the Hay River MLAs to convene a meeting in March to bring the Hay River town council, the M‚tis local government and the West Point First Nation to a common meeting to discuss prospective projects to benefit our community and its residents. In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, I would encourage people of Hay River to turn their thoughts to how this money could be best put to use. We will be in communication with the leadership to set a time and place for this meeting. We very much look forward to the ideas and input that will come forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause