Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, despite this vastness, we are all too familiar with the fact that our residents do not have access to land. I'm talking about the lack of land available for community development, residential, recreational, commercial, and agricultural purposes.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the life of this Assembly, my colleagues and I have raised numerous issues related to land availability, such as unauthorized or untendered occupancy, lack of agricultural land, and high securities burden. From a community development perspective, despite communities having community plans, you still have to apply it through the Department of Lands to obtain parcels of land for critical infrastructure or residential purposes. This piecemeal approach prevents communities from obtaining the land they need.

Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife colleagues are familiar with the concerns of taking this piecemeal approach as it prevents the city from pursuing development that takes into consideration more than a small parcel of land. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, this is an issue for all small communities, as well. For example, the Minister of MACA just signed off on Enterprise's Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. As well, the Department of Lands issues leases on Commissioner's Land within community boundaries without have to advise the community. Enterprise needs to ask for Land's permission to develop land within its own boundaries.

Mr. Speaker, once a community has an approved community plan with zoning bylaws, they should be able to follow their plan and bylaws without needing further permission. This added process layer delays the simplest development. Mr. Speaker, municipal boundaries are generally well-defined, and communities often face barriers preventing their continuous development. I will have questions for the Minister of Lands later. Mahsi.