Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple of comments here. Being back home in Inuvik on my last time out, I had a few constituents approach me about the lack of jobs in the community and how some of them had to take their pride into consideration and go on income support. Creating these jobs and putting people back to work will affect some of our social concerns that we have in the Northwest Territories and also help with a good discussion we had earlier today on the Anti-Poverty Strategy.

I’m really happy to see that there has been $1 million earmarked to complete the planning for the Inuvik-Tuk highway. It will go to use and a lot of people will benefit from that within our departments, social departments as well as people up in the Beaufort-Delta going back to work. I just wanted to congratulate the government on looking at that for this next fiscal year.

We spoke a little earlier, just listening to comments about if the government decides to go beyond its debt wall for the new fiscal year, we will be looking at the red flag projects. I would also like this government to look at some new possible projects that some of our new Members that have come into the Assembly might be bringing forth, that they not be put on the waiting list. Specifically one project that I made reference to in my Member’s statement is the Children First Centre in Inuvik. The community itself has invested a lot of time and energy, and when you have a vested interest like that, you know the community will go forth and do good with the project and make sure that it’s successful. If we get the government behind them, you know it will be a strong and good investment, especially with all these infrastructural projects that we have lined up for years to come. It would be very smart for the government to look at helping create that so when the new school opens and the existing facility is gone, professionals and people coming up to Inuvik will have a place for their children to go to school while they’re working and contributing to the economy of Inuvik.

We had some talks in terms of devolution, and personally, with all the social issues and money that we have and stresses that affect all our communities, we’ve heard it here over the last hour. Like you said, I’m really hoping that we can come to terms and get an agreement signed this year, because it is a lot of money that can be going to communities. I do look forward to being part of that and giving the best advice, and influence and encouragement that I can.

So you guys are doing a great job and I really look forward to this. Thank you.