Thank you, Madam Chair. Just some comments that I kind of find myself reiterating, but it’s part of the process. I just wanted to speak in general terms on some of the aspirations of the communities that I represent; namely, the reserve, Kakisa and Fort Providence and, of course, Enterprise.

I think the communities there are very interested in trying to be more independent and trying to ensure

that they provide the services to their residents that make their homes in those communities and they want to raise their children as well. So they aspire to trying to provide the services that other communities take for granted. For example, in Enterprise they’ve always been interested in trying to at least establish a water treatment plant for themselves, and they’ve made it clear that it’s something that they could do by themselves with the help of Municipal and Community Affairs. I think they’ve done some preliminary assessments and I think, if talks are ongoing, it’s a positive sign that things are going good and, indeed, at some point they will realize at least being one step closer towards establishing a water treatment plant.

Similarly, in Kakisa they, of course, want the same thing. I know there are constraints in terms of budgets, but understanding in terms of capital plans, it is possible for at least…(inaudible)…in the long range. In the short-term range that they could really put some resources aside and ensure that the department is on board and helping them to achieve at least the realization of water treatment plants in their communities.

There have also been some expressed concerns in terms of the intake pipes in Fort Providence. There have been some concerns and perhaps some hiccups now and then. I know there have been some initiatives in the past to ensure that the intake pipe there is, of course, something that’s workable and there have been efforts from all levels to ensure that it is, indeed, working to full capacity. I understand there are some issues that perhaps are kinks at the moment, but more likely could be worked out.

Of course, in Kakisa, as well, they talked about some ideas that they wanted to undertake, of course, with the assistance of the department. One of them is they periodically have family gatherings there or funeral services. They’re quite restricted in terms of where they can have it. Their present little office sometimes is, you know, full capacity, especially when you have surrounding communities visit their community to try and pay their respects for a funeral service or weddings, like that, of that nature. They’re very interested in trying to work with the department, and I believe the department is making gains to try and work with them and meet them halfway.

On some other stuff, in Fort Providence there are some ongoing discussions with the community in terms of how to remedy the situation of the swimming pool. I think I’ve raised that to ensure that we do follow up with the building. I know as it was constructed and it’s intended awhile to provide at least a medium for our youth to use and it’s been there sitting idle for the past two or three years. I think a concerted effort needs to be made from all sides, including the community, to ensure that it’s

realized to its full capacity and it’s used. Hopefully, the department will carry on with the work they’ve been doing thus far.

Another area of concern that has been brought to me is just in terms of lands available for residential purposes, whether it is ultimately going to be a lease through Commissioner’s land or if it is going to be maybe owned privately, at least some provisions in terms of allowing people to have an option of purchasing land. It could be constrained by current negotiations of various tables happening, but I think people are aspiring to have a level of certainty so that if they buy a house, the land is theirs as well. This is just an aspiration that people have at the community level.

Finally, I think sport and recreation are key in terms of trying to bolster the advances of our youth. I always believed that the youth are the spirit of our community. If we can provide very good recreational services, then by all means our youth develop themselves to their full capacity. I think thus far we have seen some very positive indications in some communities. Hopefully, the department will continue to work with our communities in trying to realize some recreational initiatives that they would like to undertake.

Finally, perhaps I have raised it before, but I see it as an opportunity to maybe try to build at least an understanding of how it is that this department could play a role in trying to help out communities. I know down the road, the biggest community is Fort Providence, the realization of the bridge happening to be completed at some point is more likely going to increase traffic in the vicinity. There is going to be a need, most likely, for a timely communication system so that if you have an emergency situation, then it is right now that an ambulance could be made available or planes dispatched. I would like to suggest or at least recommend to the department if perhaps they could work with communities, small communities especially that are interested in establishing similar services if perhaps there could be at least an assessment or a feasibility study on how that could be done, at what cost and whether it is really a matter of the private industry that really decides the fate of whether they provide those services. It would be helpful if at least one department could step up to the plate and assist small communities if they aspire to or to establish cellular service in their communities. Mahsi.