Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to back up my colleague’s statements there. The voluntary sector provides jobs, training, leadership on social justice and environmental issues, recreation, cultural opportunities.

Volunteer NWT is unable to obtain additional support from either the federal or territorial governments, so it’s had to end its operations effective immediately. But they had $79,800 lined up in funding from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, as the Minister acknowledged. This is a real lost opportunity for us and this important role.

Volunteers and voluntary organizations are all about taking responsibility for what happens in their community, and that’s exactly what our hundreds if not thousands of volunteers do. Statistics clearly show that the NWT has major social problems compared to elsewhere in Canada, so there’s a big role for the voluntary and non-profit sector here.

I just want to note that when we support our volunteers, we are working together to address many of the goals set by this 16th Legislative

Assembly, such as a strong and independent North built on partnerships, an environment that will sustain present and future generations, sustainable, vibrant, safe communities, and healthy, educated people.

I know, also, that my colleague mentioned the MACA versus Executive aspect of this issue. I know the Premier is listening, and I know he has expressed a commitment to doing something about this, but I want to again add my voice.

I will clearly be supporting this motion, and I’m requesting a recorded vote.