Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As mentioned by our colleague Mr. Abernethy earlier, the mayor of the City of Yellowknife recently received a letter from two GNWT deputy ministers. The message in that letter was that our government, the departments of Health and Social Services and Justice, would no longer fully participate on the Yellowknife Social Issues Committee.

Like Mr. Abernethy, I am deeply disappointed by this decision, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is very much a move in the wrong direction. The Yellowknife bi-annual community survey has several times identified social problems in the city as the number one issue for Yellowknife residents. My community government, Yellowknife City Council, is being proactive, responding to the concerns of residents

by establishing a Social Issues Committee. They want to make life in our city better, and they are working to improve the community for residents and visitors alike.

So where does the responsibility lie for ensuring the social well-being of residents? Not with the city. That financial and program responsibility belongs with the territorial government. With the action outlined in the letter, the GNWT is backing away from that responsibility. The government should welcome the positive and proactive approach of Yellowknife’s council and should recognize the value that an active, interested organization can bring to the table when trying to solve our social ills.

The provision of health services, social services and justice services by this government to NWT residents is handled through our departments of Health and Social Services and Justice. This government should be working through those departments, should be working with the City of Yellowknife to advance initiatives and create success in the area of social issues. We have seen a few of those successful collaborations. The day shelter is one of them. The Homelessness Coalition, which includes GNWT representation, has proven to be a very positive force and has accomplished a great deal. Why can’t that same thing happen with the Yellowknife Social Issues Committee?

I have to wonder, Mr. Speaker, where the priorities of the City of Yellowknife sit with this government. How committed is the GNWT to supporting our capital city both in funding and with human resources support?

This government needs to remember that the city of Yellowknife is 50 percent of the NWT population, that the city of Yellowknife is the engine, the main generator for the NWT economy, that the city of Yellowknife has services here which many NWT residents come here to use.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted