Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about some of the priority areas that I will be working on over the next two years. Since we have last sat I have had a chance to meet with many constituents and community leaders in both communities to discuss issues that are important to them.
Youth concerns continue to be high on the agenda for both communities. More programming, more facilities, more support for youth, and more recreation programs are still needed. I’ve been working on this since I’ve been elected and I will step up my efforts over the next two years.
Housing is still the number one concern for many residents and many constituents. I have worked closely with the two previous Ministers and will work even closer with the new Minister. The Housing Corporation has made some improvements in both Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution, but not enough.
Dust control is still a problem in both communities. I’ll ask myself in year the 2009 why residents still have to put up with dust problems in their communities and homes. This shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve been working towards establishing long-term solutions with MACA and the community governments.
We all know how important it is to have a decent highway to drive in and out of the communities. This is not the case for the residents of Fort Resolution. Part of Highway No. 6 is now being chipsealed. I will be making every effort to have the entire highway chipsealed into Fort Resolution.
In Lutselk’e, the road to Austin Lake is a high priority for the residents. I’ll be working towards getting a commitment from this government to work with industry, if necessary, to have this road built.
For smaller communities like Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e, more jobs and services being delivered in the communities is important to its residents. That is why I will be making efforts on the issue of devolution and, ultimately, government jobs may be placed in these and other small communities. Along these lines I’ll also be doing what I can to push for more job creation and more job opportunities for Lutselk’e and Fort Resolution. The employment rate
in these communities is half what it is in the larger communities.
Finally, the high cost of living is a huge concern for many families in these communities as the government has made progress in this area. But again, not enough. More has to be done.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.