Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next year, as we expand the capital plan, there will be money for highways like Highway No. 7 on an ongoing basis. Once we ink the devolution deal and we have that nailed down, the fiscal framework will change somewhat. As well, we still have to manage our money and control the growth, the size of government and all these good things. We have collectively agreed that we need to focus on infrastructure that we are spending roughly $1.6 billion on programs and services, and barely less than 10 percent of our money goes into trying to do the infrastructure needs, and replacements and maintenance we need.
Sahtu oil and gas, if it proves up, we will be in a significantly stronger position going forward in terms of approaching the federal government, in doing business and planning. If we know for certain that there is going to be a major… If it is going to move from exploration into development and implementation, then that will be a game changer.
Right now we are still in the very early days where we’re putting money and resources in there to try and make sure we can respond to the demand by the ramped up exploration, but the big next step is going to be to see what it tells us.
We agree that road north from Wrigley to Norman Wells is a logical next step for the Mackenzie Highway. Once again, if the Sahtu oil and gas play proves out, then there’s going to be a powerful economic driver to have that road put in.
The issue of trying to lower the cost of living in communities is something we are always interested in. Is it subsidizing the cost of delivery of fuel? I think that’s a discussion we need to look at. As I indicated, one of my earlier comments, just on liquid natural gas alone, if we can in fact lower the cost of energy generation in communities, we will be better off and that will lower the cost of living.
The discussion on the resources for community wellness plans and getting the money to communities, we agree. We want to get the money to where it’s targeted, but that is a discussion you will be able to have with the Minister of Health when he is at the table.
Once we have devolution and we get the money to the A base, we will be responsible for delivering all of those programs or services currently provided by the federal government. Then we will have the time to plan. We’ve already started the planning on devolution and some places that need beefing up. There will be an opportunity to look at what those are. I have indicated some of the communities are more ready than others; Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Smith. There are challenges in other communities, but we are committed to looking at those. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Could I ask the indulgence of the Chair for two minutes? I need some break time.
---Laughter