Mahsi, Mr. Chair. (English not provided)
Mr. Chairman, as I indicated in my opening remarks in my language, I highlighted the capital funding. The capital funding formula that has been outlined by the Minister is a new initiative. We're setting their own infrastructure priorities. We talk about the New Deal that's coming on stream. It's great news for the communities of the Northwest Territories. I must say it is welcoming in my region as well. I think this has been a long time coming. My leadership certainly supports this initiative. We're putting the power back into the community. The communities will be making their own decisions, whether it be artificial ice, as I indicated just the other day. Those initiatives can be put aside and start planning on that. That's why I would just like to highlight this important initiative that's in front of us.
Also, Mr. Chairman, there's also new training modules that have been initiated by School of Community Government. School of Community Government has been training community administrators in the communities for some time now. Just within the last couple of weeks there was a joint force with the U of A
partnership, which is a big step. They're leaving a legacy behind where...This will be an accreditation program; it will be recognized throughout the North and throughout Canada. The certification program, whether it be a diploma or leading to a degree, that's what I'd to see as an individual Member sitting here. I think that's the goal of the U of A. The U of A is going to expand North here, which is great to see.
With this new initiative, the New Deal, there's also individualized translation plans for all community governments taking on these new authorities. You know, we're not just walking away from it. We are supporting the communities as well as the government, which is great to see that, as well. It's sort of like an aftercare program.
I would just like to highlight also another training initiative that's been highlighted in 2007-08 budget, on the training and certification of water treatment plant operators. You know, we living in small communities, we have people coming out at times as plant operators but slowly we're training our own people. At the same time, this also highlights that we need to have qualified personnel in the community. That's a liability issue on MACA, on government as a whole. I like seeing this report in there. This is a step in the right direction, as well, having qualified personnel within the system.
Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to highlight those two, three key areas because they caught my eye but there will certainly be more discussion to take place with the New Deal. At this point I would just like to leave it at that and I can have questions at a later point. Mahsi.