Thank you. Well, I mean, I guess we'll continue to have that conversation but, you know, I think it's important that we find -- that we develop a policy that works for the entire Northwest Territories. And this is a good policy. It's good for -- it's one of those areas that, you know, we -- the Yellowknife Members don't have to do much to ensure that there's investment in Yellowknife, right. So we have to look -- we as an Assembly have to make sure we're looking at ways to invest outside and make sure we're maximizing economic activity because the default is headquarters, right, and we -- that was the debate yesterday. And I'm not going to -- I'm not going to reflect on that. But Members were here. So, you know, it's just when you -- when you have a debate like that and then you see a cut to this, you start to wonder, like, when we're doing reduction exercises, are we looking at taking money where it's most needed in those small communities outside of the centres rather than looking at ways we can reduce our comfort levels in headquarters or other regional centres where they're buttressed by more funding, more resources, and more staff. So I don't support this reduction. I want to see it restored. I don't know if I can support this budget if these cuts to small community support programs continue. There's another fund we'll get to another department. It's just disappointing to see this when so much work in previous Assemblies has gone -- have gone to developing these programs and delivering these programs. You know, there's been working groups, small community working groups that were kind of given ownership of these funds to make sure they could be directed into their communities. That was in the 18th Assembly, which I was a part of. But I know that wasn't the only one that made these things happen. Mr. Chair, you have spoken about the need for this as well when it comes to your riding. So this is a bit of a speech, but I think it's an important one to hear, you know, and we can all support this regardless of where we represent. Thank you.
Kieron Testart on Committee Motion 12-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates, Deferral of Education - Education, Culture and Employment, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on June 5th, 2024. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 12-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates, Deferral of Education - Education, Culture and Employment, Carried
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
June 5th, 2024
Page 769
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