Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I noted on my first day that I arrived here, I'll have to get used to going last with a name like Vanthuyne. Mr. Speaker, I am joining my colleagues today in replying to the budget address. The Members on this side of the House who have spoken before me, have provided thoughtful insights on the processes we have collectively experienced since we took office. They have also spoken, more specifically, about their observations on the standing committee's review of business plans and the budget deliberations now underway in the Legislative Assembly. I appreciate the views they have shared. I am also grateful for this opportunity to add my perspective on the work of the government and the role of the Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we all share the view expressed yesterday by our colleague, Mr. Beaulieu, who adamantly noted in his reply to the budget address, “government must change the way we do business!” I couldn’t agree more. With this goal in mind, the challenge is to determine how to deliver better government for NWT residents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say at the outset that there is much that is good about our government and government in general. I have a personal vested interest in government. I have spent seven years now as an elected official on two levels of government because I care about my community and I care about the North. I want to give back to the North because it has given so much to me. I want to do my part and bring about effective change, positive and productive change for our territory, in an effort to allow all Northerners the opportunity to have their dreams come true. So I believe deeply in government.
However, I am also deeply concerned about some of the problems we face today: an economic downturn, poverty and homelessness, escalating health costs, climate change, the list goes on. How do we address these problems? We can start by addressing them as a collective body, as one government.
Mr. Speaker, many people believe that this government should run more like a business. As a small business owner you might think I'd be one of those believers. Yet, I acknowledge that government and business are, for a variety of reasons, fundamentally different institutions. In fact, I believe most people would not really want to see this government act like a business: making quick decisions, behind closed doors, with no need to consult. Wait a second. Just kidding! Just kidding, Mr. Speaker.
---Laughter