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INUVIK
The first of seven budget talks around the territory was held in Inuvik at the Mackenzie Hotel Sept. 17. The discussion wasn't about cutting funds, but moving them somewhere else that could have a greater impact on the community.

Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers, left, and Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger take a break from discussing regional impacts of the territorial budget at the Mackenzie Hotel Sept. 17. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger said the discussions were part of a commitment to listen to what Northerners have to say about the current budget.

"We want to share financial information and engage NWT residents," he said.

"Four years ago, we started a process in Yellowknife on revenue round tables and it was very helpful. As we looked around us, we realized we have to get outside Yellowknife and set up a process of addressing concerns."

The $1.4-billion budget was released May 24 but the budgeting process never stops, said Miltenberger.

With the third session of the 17th legislative assembly three weeks away, the Finance minister said he wants to know what Northerners think could be improved and where their priorities are.

"Many thought this was just a cosmetic exercise," said Miltenberger in front of a packed conference room.

"I'm not here to waste your time, I expect and, knowing the people of Inuvik, I know you're going to be frank and forthright."

When the budget came out in May, Miltenberger said major infrastructure spending was going to be put on hold until the 2014-15 budget.

At the time, he said fiscal discipline and responsibility were the keywords for the next two budgets until cash reserves could be replenished for major spending projects.

As a discussion aid, block towers were set up along one side of the room loosely representing budgeted amounts for different programs. The discussion focused on the operating budget, which provides programs and services to the residents in the NWT.

Discussion participants were given a chance to remove up to 10 blocks – each representing approximately $50,000 – and give it to a different area.

Some participants saw a lot of crossover and duplication in programs across the board, and mentioned focusing on basic education and bringing in programs through the schools. By streamlining government programs and focusing on prevention, money could be saved in the long run.

"All these programs are important and what you would cut is based on your individual background," said Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers.

"I would reallocate funds into investment in new infrastructure. From a community leadership level the infrastructure needs here are going to be huge in the next year."

Three themes became the focus of the three-hour-long discussion – prevention, infrastructure requirements and regulatory reforms.

"If I was a betting man, I would say there will be very similar themes throughout the North," said Miltenberger.

"If there's a focus on prevention, we have to do a better job and put more resources at the front end. In a lot of ways, it's a good wake-up call for us about how we do our job."

In the next two weeks, finance discussions will be taking place in Norman Well, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Behchoko, and a final discussion in Yellowknife near the end of October.

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