Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of discussion about our government doing what it can to reduce the cost of living for our citizens. In fact, it's a mandate of our government to do just that. However, Mr. Speaker, the opposite is occurring because, over the years, we've seen cost increases to our citizens in various ways, some through taxes, leases, fees, and inflation. This has in effect increased the cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, I've risen many times in the House, offering ideas on how to decrease costs to our people and our government, which for the most part have been ignored. I've talked about fixing up homes for seniors, to make them more efficient to operate; I've spoken about daycares, where people can go to work, both of which are viable options and help decrease our social spending.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, I have spoken about investing in homecare and early childhood development as areas which offer potential for great long-term savings. I've also discussed the idea of converting the old Stanton hospital into a school for homecare workers and nurses, as well as the idea of our government expanding into the conservation economy through investments in initiatives such as Indigenous guardians and ecotourism.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, there are other jobs to get families off income support, jobs like youth workers, working in environmental clean-ups, and jobs in the field of wellness at the community level. Increasing employment rates in small communities will benefit all communities, including Yellowknife and the regional centres.

Mr. Speaker, I have used the term "all boats shall rise" many times in this House because, if people work in our small communities, they will spend their money in Yellowknife and the regional centres, creating another level of the economy. Thank you.