Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, since being elected MLA for Tu Nedhe in October of last year, I have worked with
numerous Ministers and both communities to get a clear picture of the infrastructure needs of Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e
.
After learning that no
project has been allocated to Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e over the next three years, or the balance of this 16th Assembly, I’m now pursuing a mandate
to increase infrastructure dollars in my riding.
According to the plan, the community of Fort Resolution will receive zero dollars, while Lutselk’e
will receive $55,000 to finish this year’s project. In other words, Mr. Speaker, of the 100 and some odd million dollars being allocated, Tu Nedhe will be receiving some holdback dollars. Mr. Speaker, I’m not asking that we shift infrastructure dollars from a higher priority to some other higher priority communities but, rather, that we revisit the allocations made to Tu Nedhe.
A couple of weeks ago while visiting Lutselk’e I walked into a government owned office and I had to step around pots and cans that were strategically placed on the floor to catch the rainwater coming through the roof. If this is not a clear example of problems our smaller communities are facing with their infrastructure needs, I have to ask: how bad do things have to get?
This government plans to spend $20 million in energy programs. The GNWT should make it a priority to allocate some of that money to Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e
for items such as wood
stoves, insulation and other energy efficient projects so that my constituents can feel like the GNWT is paying some attention to them.
Mr. Speaker, community infrastructure was handed to the communities through the New Deal in 2005 and was initially delivered to hamlets and charter communities. Lutselk’e
and Fort Resolution are
neither; however, I have heard from each of the communities, and both agree that the Department of MACA has been doing very well working with them, and they have been a big help.
Mr. Speaker, my goal is to work with the communities and the Minister to look at infrastructure dollar amounts in the Tu Nedhe riding.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.