Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We fully agree with the Member about the need for the government, especially in the smaller
communities but across the economy as a whole, the territory as a whole, especially given the fact that we’re now into a second recession in the last eight years, to use our infrastructure dollars to help stimulate the economy. We did that in 2007. We borrowed to our limit to make sure that we had as much infrastructure go into the ground as possible, and I think we did over a million dollars in a few years. We still see that as a critical way forward, especially infrastructure that is going to help create the conditions for economic growth. We are very aware of the concern and appreciate the Member’s reminder about not just downloading if you are going to work with communities, but make sure that they have the resources to do the job. This whole Assembly has been built on the issue of trying to deal with the cost of living. We’ve been able to make some inroads, but there are still a lot of things to do, especially on the energy side.
Morel mushrooms, I agree; for a little piece of fungus, they are like gold. Changes to the Forest Management Act are coming up. ITI has done a very fine job on the promotion side and managing working with the communities and the folks who want to get into the business, so I think that’s been a very good success story.
The tourism promotion was raised, as well, in the House earlier by Mr. Moses. We’ve seen a growth in tourism and the need to pay close attention to that. On wood pellets, we’ve spent millions of dollars ourselves and the federal government working with Mr. Mapes and communities to get this to the point where it’s at. They now have the land sorted out and the actual mill should be starting construction before winter.
We fully intend, as a government, to continue with the Biomass S
trategy. It’s a long-term energy plan
that should have a long, long future. It’s a renewable energy source, so it should have a long future in the North.
With regard to the treatment centre, we don’t have a lot of notes on that one, but the Minister of Health will be able to have that discussion when he comes to the table here in the next few days. Thank you.