Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the 16th Legislative Assembly passed a

motion for the development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy;

AND WHEREAS work toward a clear and integrated strategy to combat poverty was undertaken during the 16th Assembly but was not

completed;

AND WHEREAS every person has the right to a standard of living adequate to the well-being of their families and themselves;

AND WHEREAS in 2009, 16.7 percent of NWT families had a total income of less than $30,000;

AND WHEREAS health indicators, educational achievement, child apprehension rates and family violence can be directly related to poverty;

AND WHEREAS poverty is human made and can be overcome;

AND WHEREAS it should be a goal of the GNWT to eradicate poverty in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS eradicating poverty will significantly contribute to the achievement of all of the Legislative Assembly’s goals and priorities;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that the Government of the Northwest Territories work with business, organizations and those living in poverty to complete an Anti-Poverty Strategy for the Northwest Territories;

AND FURTHER, that the Anti-Poverty Strategy identify specific measureable targets, with clear cross-departmental mechanisms for coordination and integration of actions;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the government provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.