Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here in this session, like my colleagues, I have supported the interim supplementary appropriations. Of particular significance was my support to the Inuvik to Tuk highway. While I realize that in the absence of industry activity in those areas of the North to create jobs and opportunity, the GNWT has an overall responsibility to serve the needs and interests of all Northerners.
It is with this in mind, I remind this House that my constituents in the Deh Cho still have some real needs in infrastructure and capital investment. I also encourage this House to support and encourage the continued progress of the Dehcho process negotiations. I understand the Government of Canada has a major role in land claims and self-government policies. The GNWT must ensure the interests of both the Dehcho and Northerners are addressed. The successful conclusion of those negotiations will only create a time of uncertainty and opportunities.
The communities that I represent, K’atl’odeeche, Enterprise, Kakisa and Fort Providence, are comprised of Dene, Metis and non-Aboriginals, like the rest of the Northwest Territories. We call these communities our home. Everything is not trampled, though, as we want it to be. My constituents have particular concerns and issues regarding health, housing, education and training, rates of crime and sometimes struggling to make ends meet. In the next few months I will be seeking support for the Deh Cho constituency.
I believe there are potential areas that this government and the Deh Cho communities could discuss. I’m confident that this House and government will continue its support of business growth. It plays a vital role in the life of our communities. I would like to see the continued progress towards a sustainable forest industry that could create jobs and opportunities in the Deh Cho and also the Northwest Territories.
I, too, would like to take an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, just to acknowledge the Wise Women Award for my community, Margaret Vandell, or Auntie Margaret, as we all know her. Margaret has been married to Norman and raised five boys. She’s got grandchildren right now that she enjoys. She’s heavily involved with the school, the Deh Gah School. In fact, there’s a camp along the winter road they call the Ena’s Camp. She is very active in traditional medicines. She’s very active also in community gatherings and ceremonies. I’d like to take this opportunity to say mahsi and congratulate her.