Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided].
Today I would like to talk about the cost of living and its impact on residents in smaller communities. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight of the 15th Legislative Assembly
conducted pre-budget community consultations on what the government spending priorities should be. These consultations confirmed that the number one issue was the cost of living. It’s not a new issue but one that continues to remain high on the public agenda.
Many residents in larger communities tend to have different perspectives on cost-of-living issues from those in small communities. In the larger communities basic daily expenses such as fuel, electricity and food are generally in comparison with larger centres in the south, thus having minimal impacts on a household’s total disposable income.
In smaller communities these basic daily expenses have a much larger impact on household incomes. For example, Mr. Speaker, a two-litre container of milk costs $7.89 in Fort Resolution and $7.98 in Lutselk’e. This is similar for other items such as Pampers, formula, bread and meat items.
Can you imagine, Mr. Speaker, the impact of limited income on a single mother with three children when one container of milk costs $8, Pampers cost $30 and one case of formula goes for almost $90? The cost-of-living perspectives are certainly different among those living in larger centres from those living in smaller communities.
Mr. Speaker, in the Premier’s Budget Address he specifically acknowledged the cost-of-living issue and said, “Taking actions to provide long-term solutions to address this reality” and “address the factors that impact the cost of goods and support individuals and families.”
When a family from Lutselk’e wants to do some Christmas shopping, it’ll cost them over $1,700 before they even get a chance to walk through the doors at Wal-Mart. Mr.
Speaker, transportation
costs in and out of the community are an everyday reality for residents in fly-in communities like Lutselk’e. How will this government address these factors, and how will this government support individuals and families to minimize these impacts?
It’s good to hear the Premier talk about energy-efficient programs, enhancing programs for building
affordable housing and funding major changes to the current income-support programs.
Mr.
Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to
conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.