If we go back to 1967 when the planes first came north with the Commissioner, this town, this city – it was a town then I think with barely 4,000 people – most communities had the most rudimentary of services. Minimal roads, minimal services from health, education, social services, economic development; they were almost non-existent. We have invested over the years in trying to build up the North. We made a decision as a territory that we were going to support the kind of community structure that we do have that recognizes the value of communities in place where they are as they have been for hundreds and, in many cases, thousands of years and over the years we’ve negotiated with the government. The federal government, as well, sees enormous value in having a territory that is full and functioning and vibrant, because it’s part of their strategic planning, it’s part of their sovereignty.

We have negotiated with the federal government over the years our agreements that have allowed us to slowly improve the level of services in the communities. We employ thousands of people. We do services now that were not even thought of even in 2000. We’ve added doctors, nurses, rehab people, teachers. We’ve improved infrastructure.

We’ve poured billions into infrastructure. We’ve been investing in the North and we’ve been investing in Northerners, which is a darn good way to spend money. I think that’s why our budget is where it is today. Thank you.