Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker [Translation] INSERT* [Translation Ends].

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to the 2025-2026 Budget. The government has proposed a budget projecting $2.7 billion in revenue, $2.5 billion in operating expenditure with the $170 million surpluses being used for infrastructure or to pay off debt. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of Finance and government for tabling a sustainable budget. It is important that we live within our means while providing programs and services for the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize that we are treading on dangerous ground as we are within 2 percent of the debt limit of $1.8 billion. It is good that the GNWT requested an increase. Hopefully, we will get a positive response from the federal government in April.

Mr. Speaker, this government is in a difficult spot. On the one hand you want to have enough borrowing capacity in case an emergency situation comes up. On the other hand the solution to our fiscal problems isn't to just continue to borrow money; money that someday will have to be paid back by our children and grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, on a personal level. I used to live my life like the GNWT, when I ran out of money I borrowed. I borrowed from the banks, I borrowed more money from the banks. This is a bad long-term financial strategy. One day I woke up under a pile of debt that had to be paid back. There is no easy way to do this except lifestyle adjustment which is something this budget is trying to accomplish.

Mr. Speaker, using credit in an irresponsible way leads to financial ruin. I would like to see the GNWT borrowing capacity be reserved for infrastructure projects that are in the public interest that contribute to the economy and ultimately pay for themselves. Mr. Speaker, we need to find ways to reduce our debt levels so that our children and future generations are not negatively impacted by the decisions we make today. We should be investing in their future not borrowing against it.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Minister of Finance in her commitment to discuss the topic of creating a Tlicho administrative region. It is good to see that the GNWT and the Tlicho government will address this topic at their bilateral meeting in April 2025. Mr. Speaker, in the meantime, it is important to have information on revenue and expenditures for the Tlicho region. I will continue to ask for this information to be provided. Tlicho financial information should be distinct from Yellowknife/North Slave region.

Mr. Speaker, in 2005 the Tlicho Agreement came into effect, we have our own 39,000 square kilometres of land and communities. The residents of the Tlicho region should know what programs and services are being delivered by the GNWT and what those programs cost.

Active positions. Mr. Speaker, there is a proposed reduction of 4 positions in the Tlicho riding while the rest of the North Slave and Headquarters will gain 20 positions. There are no significant program changes. It is disappointing that my region must provide essentially the same services with fewer positions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister and Department of Finance for all the work and effort that went into creating the budget. While the budget does not have everything that that we want, but we must continue to work together as elected MLA/leaders by the residents of the NWT to provide the best programs and services possible that help the residents of the NWT. We must always remember who we do this work for and that this will have an impact on all our people.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that this budget is responsible, sustainable, and the first step towards reducing our debt so that our future generations are not burdened with it. I look forward to working together on future budgets that will get us even closer to reaching our collective goals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.