Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would to thank my honourable colleagues for speaking before me on this very important matter. I want to take this time to offer my thoughts on the 2017-18 budget. As you know, my riding of the Deh Cho is made up of mostly small communities. I hope with my remarks today to represent the concerns of the people who live in my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the budget should be about vision and leadership first, fiscal prudence second. It is very clear that our House is divided on the matter of fiscal priorities. On one hand, the Minister of Finance and Cabinet are fixated on fiscal restraint and debt management, while we on this side of the House want to ensure that the pressing needs of our people are met. For example, on a daily basis we hear about the needs of our constituents, of the critical need for accessible housing and programs, a responsive and compassionate healthcare system, and the desires for a better way of life through jobs and business opportunities.

I believe these are some of the challenges we all face. However, while we exalt the principles of working together in a consensus system, I don't see a genuine effort on the part of my Cabinet colleagues to work in a spirit of collaboration. It is very hard for me to accept the argument of fiscal restraint when we've tried to work with Cabinet and propose initiatives and are told, "we'll look into it," and the concerns of our constituents are somehow lost in transit.

What is more disappointing is when we are told we have limited resources for projects and then, later on, Cabinet suddenly announces major investments in initiatives of their own. A case in point is the recent purchase of NTCL assets and expenditures of $7 million that just magically appeared like manna from heaven. Another is the purchase of the defunct Cantung Mine property for $4.5 million, another investment that wasn't in the government's business plan. Mr. Speaker, this lack of communication and transparency is not consistent with the principles of consensus government. It does not bode well for a positive working relationship between Cabinet and the Regular Members for the remainder of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the priorities put forth in this budget. This budget focuses more on debt management and less on key strategic investments. Our northern economy needs a boost in the allocation of key resources which can cause stimulus and job creation and business opportunities. At least there are positives in the form of continued efforts in infrastructure initiatives, including the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link Project, the completion of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, and the recent announcement of the road to Whati, but there are still half-commitments that have been made, such as the junior kindergarten, which create more uncertainty.

To ensure we have a balanced approach to the budget, we have presented to our Cabinet colleagues requests for modest investment in initiatives that in total amount to less than 1 per cent of this $1.7-billion budget. We have recommended the need for investments in employment funding to small communities, the enhancements of home care services to address the aging senior population, road access funding, and the stimulus package for job creation and business growth for small communities and regional centres. However, these requests are not reflected in this budget.

The 2017-18 budget was the product of a process that started in the business planning cycle. Mr. Speaker, it's not my first rodeo, and I've been through this process many times. Each department goes through internal planning and then presents the findings to their Ministers. Ministers and their senior officials then present the business plans to Regular MLAs and standing committees. As Regular MLAs, it's at this point that we become aware of the operations and maintenance and infrastructure projects scheduled for the upcoming fiscal year. What is important to note is it is at this stage that as Regular MLAs we're given the opportunity to express the concerns of our constituents to each department. Generally, that is the process we have to work within, and we try to do it constructively and cooperatively.

It is a huge disappointment to me and to my colleagues on this side of the House when we see the Main Estimates and the modest investments we have requested are not there. Mr. Speaker, these modest investments would make a big, positive impact for our residents without affecting 1 per cent of the GNWT's bottom line. It is very hard for my colleagues and I on this side of the House to believe that our concerns are being heard when the government tells us that they cannot afford these investments while finding big dollars to bail out failing northern business ventures, no matter how important they might be.

I understand the fiscal priorities of this budget must be measured against the 18th Assembly mandate which was developed by all 19 MLAs when we were elected. The 18th Assembly mandate document commits us to work in the following key sectors of the NWT, including education, training and youth development; cost of living; community wellness and safety; economy; environment and climate change; and governance. Within this broad mandate, there is a lot of room for differing priorities. I believe we can do more to enhance tourism and the fishing industry, for example. No fiscal strategy should jeopardize the success of this government to complete its mandate.

I also believe that we can and must do more to ensure the timely settlement of outstanding land claims and self-government negotiations. At the beginning of the 18th Assembly, we all agreed that this is integral for the political and economic well-being of the Northwest Territories.

Because of devolution and the greater authority and power that come with it, there needs to be a bigger government to implement the lands and resource systems that we are now responsible for administering. If this budget is approved, it will reduce the size of government. Has the government looked at how this might impact our new responsibilities under devolution or how it might impact our work to settle outstanding lands, resources, and self-government negotiations?

I encourage the government not to lose sight of the importance of this work. I encourage the review of negotiating mandates that respect constitutional rights of First Nations and reflect the spirit of the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. My hope is that continued efforts are made to ensure the fair and just conclusion of land claims and self-government negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, let us be reminded that we seek roles in leadership because we want to make a difference in our families and communities. We all want to make things better for our communities. The time is now to make a change. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.