Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the final months of 2017, the Premier took to the national stage to declare serious allegations towards all of southern Canada concerning the economic future of the NWT. The Premier has said that "the dreams of Northerners are dying." Mr. Speaker, the dreams of Northerners are not dying. They are renewed by the next generation who want a prosperous future for their communities with a sustainable economy that provides benefits to all of our residents. This is why I take issue with the Premier's rhetoric, and most recently his position that the NWT cannot have a strong economy and a strong environment. This backwards thinking is a relic of the past.
Northerners know that this government is not only capable of responsible resource development, but that our citizens demand it. The very mandate of this government is based on this idea, and the Premier is unwise to make such proclamations. Here in Yellowknife the toxic legacy of Giant Mine is more than enough evidence to support sound environmental regulations that prevent billion-dollar liabilities for future governments, especially in light of devolution where this government will be solely responsible for remediation.
Mr. Speaker, despite the intentions of the Premier, it is clear to me that this red alert is nothing more than a political ploy to stoke economic anxiety in Northerners and to pin the lackluster economic performance of this government on someone else. After two years of austerity budgets, is it any wonder why the NWT's economy continues to lag behind the rest of the nation? I think not. We need bold thinking and ambitious initiatives to boost economic performance, not time on national television to broadcast our disputes with Ottawa. If there was any real substance behind this red alert, such as a blueprint for economic development, then perhaps I would think otherwise about the Premier's agenda, but as it stands Northerners have nothing to consider apart from fear that future prosperity is falling out of reach.
As for the supposed "re-emergence of colonialism" from Ottawa, I am surprised the Premier would make much a claim when this government has so much work to do in reconciliation. I am shocked by the outrageous labelling of nation-to-nation relationships between Canada and Indigenous government as "divisive" and "colonial." This new relationship and approach from Canada has been applauded by numerous Indigenous leaders, including here in the NWT. I am just as concerned about the limited progress that has been made on pending land rights agreements. It is clear to me that this government takes issue with the advancement of Indigenous self-government, and I will have questions for the Premier on how we are fulfilling our constitutional obligations towards Indigenous self-government in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.