MLAs opposed to budget cuts
Testart, Beaulieu say they will fight any attempt to claw back programs and services
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The territory's regular MLAs are attempting to set the tone for the session of the legislative assembly that begins tomorrow, stating they will fight cuts to programs and services despite the territorial government's forecasted deficit.
Planning committee's plan
- Ensure effective public engagement on government budgets before they are introduced in the legislative assembly
- Review government spending and programs to ensure consistency with the assembly's priorities
- Create new sources of government revenue that minimize impacts on the high cost of living in the NWT
- Invest immediately in the economy through targeted infrastructure projects and economic incentive programs
- Find cost-saving efficiencies within the government and public service.
Source: Priorities and Planning Committee
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The assembly's priorities and planning committee, which is comprised of the 11 regular members of the assembly, stated they will come out firmly against any measures aimed at balancing the government's books that may be proposed.
While the committee states it supports responsible government spending, MLAs are concerned that implementing measures that cut back programs and services will be detrimental to the economy and undermine many of the priorities of the assembly, a Monday news release states.
"Any decision to cut programs and services must be made to strengthen our economy, and not for the sake of balancing the government's books," said Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Tom Beaulieu, who is the committee chairperson.
"We owe it to the people and communities of the NWT to be diligent and make decisions that are well thought out and where all options are kept on the table."
Beaulieu says the assembly's financial decisions this term will have "far-reaching implications on the people and economic well-being of the NWT."
"At this critical juncture in the NWT's history, decisions must be carefully considered," said Beaulieu. "The committee will engage with cabinet in the coming weeks to ensure a balanced approach to addressing our fiscal challenges."
Kam Lake MLA Kieron Testart, who is also deputy chairperson of the committee, joined Beaulieu at Monday's news conference. He said among his other priorities is to make sure the public is aware they can be part of the budget process. Further to that Testart said he wants to hear from cabinet about resource development and help for small business.
He said he wants to know "the government's plan to support mineral exploration in the NWT and not just through strategies and action plans but actual concrete measures," Testart said.
"I'm also going to be looking for information on what we are doing to support the manufacturing sector and small businesses, including a tax cut for small businesses in the North."
Yellowknife North MLA Cory Vanthuyne said the government's finances and the economy will top his list of concerns when he gets a chance to challenge cabinet ministers during question period. In an e-mail, Vanthuyne listed his priorities for the upcoming session.
"Establishing certainty for the economy by investing in priority projects such as Mackenzie Valley Highway, Tlicho Road and (an all-weather road to the diamond mines), ensuring the federal/territorial funding is re-established to its previous level, support the recommendations of the community funding formula review so underfunded communities can meet their infrastructure needs," Vanthuyne stated.
It was announced yesterday the federal grant was partially restored.
He also would like to see financial help for people making energy efficiency improvements to their homes to reduce impacts on the environment and reduce the cost of living.
Yellowknifer asked the two other regular MLAs from the city, Yellowknife Centre's Julie Green and Frame Lake's Kevin O'Reilly what they expect to be hot-button issues during this session but neither responded by press time.
