Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Braden. The committee was pleased to see the November 2005 "Connecting Canada Coast to Coast to Coast" proposal by the Government of the Northwest Territories to the Government of Canada and continues to affirm its support for construction of an all-weather road between Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik.

Increased Programming For Drug And Alcohol Addictions Rehabilitation And Treatment

The committee is frustrated with the government's consistent refusal to act on our recommendations for additional drug and alcohol treatment facilities. With the recent release of the Chalmers report, the government appears to have dug in its heels even further in its determination to invest almost exclusively in community-based services. Members sincerely believe this is the wrong approach for the NWT, based on what we have heard from our constituents and on our own experiences. In the absence of regional, culturally appropriate treatment facilities, we fear that many residents will never have the support they need to win their battle with addictions.

The committee supported a motion on February 27, 2006:

That this Assembly reaffirms its motion of October 29, 2004, requesting that the government establish a centre dedicated to treating addictions to drugs other than alcohol, establish an addictions treatment centre specifically for youth and reopen residential treatment centres in Yellowknife and Inuvik.

Adequate Resources For Transition Houses For Victims Of Domestic Violence

During its pre-budget consultations, the committee heard from transition houses that are struggling to meet the needs of clients in crisis with inadequate resources for programming, staffing and basic infrastructure maintenance. Their concerns are outlined in detail in the committee's October 2005 Report on Pre-Budget Consultations. The committee understands there has been some progress in shortening the amount of time it takes for shelters to receive their funding, however, we remain concerned about the overall adequacy of funding to transition shelters.

Reduction Of The Infrastructure Deficit

Years of fiscal restraint have left the NWT with a serious infrastructure deficit. Many communities are lacking facilities, while many existing public buildings are in serious disrepair. The committee is therefore pleased to see the amount of the GNWT's resources as well as new federal funding now being directed to capital projects.

Role For Elders In NWT Government

Committee members believe that elders have a great deal of knowledge to offer the government, particularly on issues such as climate change and wildlife management. The committee requests that the government initiate a formal consultation process with elders to ensure they are given appropriate recognition and respect in our institutions, and that their knowledge informs our policy-making.

Equal Access To Student Financial Assistance For Trades Students And Persons With Disabilities

Increased Investment In Trades And Apprenticeship Programs

Facilities For Seniors

The Standing Committee on Social Programs will pursue these priorities.

Introduction Of Measures To Mitigate The Impacts Of Past Hydro Projects

Development Of A Hydro Project On The Bear River

Adequate Resources For Dust Control In Communities

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development will pursue these priorities. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to pass the report on to Mr. Menicoche. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.