Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a few general comments. I want to congratulate the Legislative Assembly and Board of Management for some of the initiatives undertaken as stated in this statement. The increase of women and other affirmative action groups in the staffing and in contract positions, as well as just the general tone of the Assembly trying to lead by example, not only in hiring but in energy use and such. People did notice how the beautiful Chamber, as it is, when it's not in session it used to light up the whole bush all around us. People used to wonder why that was. I think that's a good step to make to reduce energy and to lead by example.

Another thing I want to congratulate the Assembly and the Board of Management on is the use of technology to make official languages of the NWT available to tourists. This is a place for the people and I think with the advent of all the technology that is available, I think it will set a great example and make people welcome to come here and be able to use a device where they can walk around in their own time. In most museums around the world, you can walk in and get some sort of device where you can put an earplug into...I don't know if that's what the plan is because the detail is not indicated here, but whatever device it may be, it will allow you to move at your own pace and hear in your own language what is being presented. I do also appreciate the extra step taken to allow Japanese language to be available. I think we understand that that is not our official language and, in fact, Japanese people are not the biggest resident population in the city, but I think it's a great way to show our appreciation to the Japanese visitors who spend their time and money and they do not get many days of holidays. They don't get anywhere near the amount of holidays that most Canadians are used to. In the short four, five, six or seven days a year that they have and they choose to come here and visit here, when they do come, they always make the point of visiting this Assembly. I think it's a nice gesture to make them feel welcome.

Just one last thing I want to speak about is something I have spoken about elsewhere, and that is my big dream and desire to see some sort of communication network TV channel or something like that for the Legislature that could broadcast the proceedings in this Legislature, and the possibility of partnering with Yukon, Nunavut or any other jurisdictions that would be interested in doing that. We are here and when we are making statements, asking questions and making decisions on behalf of the people, it is really important for the people to see that. Not only that, I am constantly amazed at how much power the media has in connecting the people to this place. I am constantly amazed when I go to communities. I think Members mention often about the fact that Yellowknife has a community channel where this is broadcast all day long, but I think I would venture to say that a lot of people who watch the programming here are people who are working for the government, but in communities they are in many ways closer and they are more connected to what's going on here.

My dream is not only can we broadcast the proceedings of the House, but if we were able to set up a broadcasting system where we could use it as a community channel for all of the Territories. One of the privileges of being an MLA is to be able to partake in lots of community festivals whether it be the Beluga Jamboree in Tuk or many, many festivals that happen everywhere. There is a very rich culture of music, a special way northerners play their fiddles, jigging, all of the summer assemblies that take place. We, as Members, are privileged to be able to go to these gatherings as part of our work to meet the leaders, hear what they have to say. Community leaders and elders and regular citizens have a very unique way of presenting their stories. The aboriginal tradition is so rich in oral communication skills. I am constantly amazed at how anybody can just grab a microphone and speak for hours and tell all these really interesting stories.

I am really sorry that the people in Yellowknife who don't have that kind of opportunity through work don't get to listen to that.

Also, so much music, art and culture. The power of TV is so strong. There are areas on why TV personalities and movie personalities have so much impact on lives of people, especially the young people. Wouldn't it be great if the young people could look at themselves on TV, whether they are playing in NWT Games or Arctic Winter Games or community sports events? I would like to see the Legislature take a leadership role in trying to accommodate a broadcasting network that would start with the venue that would allow the proceedings of this

House to broadcast, but that would allow the accommodation of other programming to take place.

Our young people need to see themselves reflected on TV. I know APTN is a very popular channel in the communities, but that channel serves all of the country, not just the Northwest Territories. I don't think we can minimize the power and the positive impact that sort of medium and that available mode of communication could have on our youth, our culture and our ability within the Territories as communities to be able to learn about each other and to become more familiar with the most unique cultures that are present in different parts of the territory. The NWT is not a homogenous place. It's made up of all sorts of different people. I would love to see something like an NWT Broadcasting Corporation. I guess that would be called NBC or something.

I am just going to leave it at that and that's something I am going to continue to speak about and talk about in the hopes that one day that dream will come true. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.