N.W.T. MLAs question effectiveness of budget consultations

Members of the legislative assembly in the N.W.T. are questioning the effectiveness of the finance minister’s budget dialogue sessions.

During seven sessions in different communities in November, only 97 people showed up.

Yellowknife MLA Wendy Bisaro asked why the consultations are held in the fall because by that point, the budget planning is already well underway.

In 2013, 80 people attended meetings in eight communities. The previous year, 140 offered input.

“I'm not sure if we're using these to direct, or just as an excuse that we've consulted. Because the numbers look crazy, as far as I'm concerned. 30 people from Yellowknife attended. 30 people from a community that's very large,” said Robert Bouchard.

Mackenzie Delta MLA Frederick Blake says too much attention is paid to the largest communities.

“What I was hoping to see - and hopefully this will happen next year - is, come and visit the small communities, not just the regional centres.”

Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger suggested getting a good turnout is challenging.

“How do we get more people out? It's a good question for this assembly. Because as I looked around this auditorium, there's not a soul in here. But the work we do is important.”

Miltenberger also specified budget consultations were booked far in advance and that other events might have prevented people from participating.