Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the people in my riding make up 6 percent of the territorial population and represent four of 33 communities. The Government of the Northwest Territories' budget is $2.3 billion. Mr. Speaker, if that money was allocated based on population, Tlicho would be at least $120 million. I am waiting on the Minister to provide me with the information but I estimate the amount we receive is half.

According to the 2019 Government of the Northwest Territories Health Status Report, their own report says Tlicho region has the worst outcome in education, health, social issues, crimes, mental health, and housing yet no additional funding is being allocated to the Tlicho region.

Mr. Speaker, with this in mind, Tlicho people did not negotiate land claim and self-government to be part of the North Slave region.

On August 23rd, 25th, 2003, Tlicho Agreement was signed by all three parties - Government of the Northwest Territories, federal government, Government of Canada, and Dogrib Treaty 11 to the Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement.

Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho region should not be considered as part of the North Slave region administrative boundaries. The North Slave region boundaries bring the Tlicho into Akaitcho territory and the city of Yellowknife. Being part of North Slave is not helping to serve Tlicho people.

Socioeconomic Condition

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I spoke about social and economic challenges in the Tlicho region. We have high rates in income assistance, low levels of family income, low levels of education. We have high rates of addictions and substance abuse. Mr. Speaker, we have little options for housing. We have highest overcrowding in the NWT, with many homes in need of repair. We also need safe shelter options for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

We are also lacking infrastructure and services. Mr. Speaker, most of our infrastructure is over 30 years old. For example, Mezi Community School in Whati and Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Edzo is over 50 years old. The Mezi School in Whati was originally built to serve elementary school children. It was not built to accommodate high school students. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, the school is beyond their capacity and is in need of retrofit or replacement. Chief Jimmy Bruneau School is also over 50 years old. The community wants a new school built in Behchoko. Wekweeti and Gameti health facilities are also over 30 years old.

What I would like to see, I would like to see the following:

• Transfer child and youth care counsellor to the Tlicho government without restriction;
• Dedicate funding to create a safe shelter for women and children in the Tlicho region;
• Additional houses built in the Tlicho region and housing policies that meet the needs of the people;
• An evaluation of both community and Government of the Northwest Territories infrastructure in the region.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.