MLAs demand solutions for slumping economy
Finance minister says specific actions likely won't be announced until May-June budget session
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Friday, February 19, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Two MLAs are telling the territorial government to stop crying the blues and sing some answers instead on how the GNWT intends to help boost the territory's slumping economy.
NWT Commissioner George Tuccaro delivers a speech yesterday outlining the 18th Legislative Assembly's agenda for the next four years. He stuck to the government's mantra that the territory's economy is weak and the GNWT must watch how it spends its money. At least two MLAs say they're tired of hearing that and want to know specifically what the government is going to do . - John McFadden/NNSL photo |
Kam Lake MLA Kieron Testart said he is tired of hearing the government's gloomy rhetoric about expenditures outpacing revenues while not presenting any solutions. His cry for answers came during his member's statement as the 18th Legislative Assembly resumed sitting yesterday for the first time this year.
Testart said it's unfair to leave government employees in the dark on whether the government is considering any layoffs.
Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Tom Beaulieu told Finance Minister Robert C. McLeod it's time to quell the rumours.
The finance minister said the government will be able to provide some answers by the May-June budget session.
"We have tasked out officials with putting some options together," said McLeod.
"They will share them with cabinet. Cabinet will share them with committee (regular members) and depending on some of the directions we take, they will come forward during the May-June budget cycle."
The government has not made any concrete proposals about cutting programs, services or jobs to help balance its budget, said McLeod.
The exchange took place following the opening address by NWT Commissioner George Tuccaro who began the session by outlining the 18th Legislative Assembly's mandate for the next four years.
Tuccaro began by saying this is the first time the territorial government has publicly set out its mandate. He said that aligns with earlier pledges by the government that the 18th assembly will be the most transparent and accountable in the territory's history.
He repeated the government's position that the territory's economy is struggling due to a plummeting and surprising drop in commodity prices, which is hurting mining activities in the territory on which the GNWT relies for resource royalties.
Tuccaro suggested the government's course of action will depend greatly on its ability to collaborate with other levels of government, specifically Ottawa and aboriginal governments.
"Living beyond our means is not a responsible choice," said Tuccaro. "Fiscal responsibility is a crucial measure of accountability."
The government's priorities must reflect the public's values, said Tuccaro, adding its attempts to be more accountable and transparent will help to create more public engagement in the political process.
Tuccaro said the government will also make it a priority to work on clarifying and improving aboriginal rights and settling outstanding land claims with the Akaitcho, NWT Metis Nation and the Dehcho First Nations. New offers will be made by the government in an effort to reach agreements, said Tuccaro.
Colonialism and residential schools and the negative effects they had on indigenous people will also be addressed during this assembly, said Tuccaro, including ways to implement recommendations that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Tuccaro also said First Nations government training programs will be launched during the life of this assembly.
Tuccaro said this government will make the high cost of living a priority, and make sure the federal government follows through on its election promise to increase the Northern Residents Tax Deduction by 33 per cent.
Tuccaro said high costs for goods and services in the NWT means that some residents cannot afford some of the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter and clothing.
