Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning discuss priority issues

Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning discuss priority issues

Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning discuss priority issues

 

(YELLOWKNIFE) January 13, 2017 – Tłı̨chǫ Chiefs, Members of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning, and Monfwi MLA Jackson Lafferty held the first meeting of its kind in Behchokǫ̀ on Tuesday, to discuss common issues facing the region and the NWT legislature.

“The Chiefs raised many issues we are working on in the Legislative Assembly,” says Committee Chair Tom Beaulieu, “such as housing, the Tłı̨chǫ all-season road; early childhood education; the importance of the Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and way of life; and electoral boundaries. It was a very productive discussion.”

Chief Jimmy Bruneau School hosted the meeting with Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus, Behchokǫ̀ Chief Clifford Daniels, WhaTi Chief Alfonz Nitsiza, Gameti Chief David Wedawin, and Wekweeti Chief  Johnny Arrowmaker all in attendance.

The meeting followed two days of strategic planning and preparation for the upcoming budget session, which begins on January 31. All eleven Members of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning took part.

“The decision of cabinet members to pursue an aggressive agenda of fiscal restraint and budget cuts at a time of economic recession has been unpopular with the regular members of the 18th Assembly,” said Committee Deputy Chair Kieron Testart. “The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning believes that immediate action is needed to create jobs, stimulate growth and invest in the potential of Northerners.”

Members also attended the Chiefs’ hand games with young people at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School. “Our committee is a large one, but it is important to meet in the communities when we can,” says Mr. Beaulieu. “It helped to focus our meeting. We appreciate the warm welcome from the staffs at the Tłı̨chǫ Government and community government offices.”

“Regular MLAs will continue to fight for our communities and ensure that our government is investing in the future of the NWT,” added Mr. Testart.

Members also toured the new sports, recreation, and community government complex.

 

For further information, please contact:

 
Tom Beaulieu, Chair of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning
P: 867-767-9143
F: 867-873-0276
 
Kieron Testart, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning
P: 867-767-9143
F. 867-873-0276