Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about the struggles of the young people of my riding from Mackenzie Delta. With the recent announcement of closures of the community learning centres and the level of education that our students are receiving at the present time, we see no real future for the younger generation of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Indigenous people of my riding are among the highest percentage of the income support program - 15 percent. This program is not doing justice to the individuals who are introduced to this program. I believe this program was intended to be a temporary solution to offset the cost of living when employment opportunities were not available. Instead, the recipients of this program are not given alternatives to be independent and self-sufficient. In turn, we see the recipients making a living from this program.

Mr. Speaker, this government is trying to get its final responsibilities back on track and, at the same time, we are trying to rebuild the economy of the Northwest Territories. In order to build the economy of the Northwest Territories, we need a workforce, a home-grown workforce from the North. We have to invest in our resources. That means investing in our people of the Northwest Territories. Giving handouts, no longer an option, is hurting the government. It is hurting the Northwest Territories' economy. It is hurting the Indigenous governments. It is hurting the communities. And it's hurting the individuals who are reliant on this program.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that there are people out there in our communities who benefit from this program, the disabled and the elderly who are unable to work to sustain their daily needs. Today we have a young age group who are able to work, but they see an easier lifestyle provided by this government. It is time for this government to give the residents of Northwest Territories a voice and conduct public engagements on how to better provide these services without the recipients of the income support program losing their self-esteem and dignity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.