Bob McLeod

I would like to point out to the Member, as he knows, that we are undertaking a review of the Business Incentive Policy and certainly that is a perfect opportunity to address these kinds of concerns. We also have a Senior Management Preference Policy that is set up specifically to look at these kinds of issues. The whole premise behind the Business Incentive Policy is to benefit northern businesses. If there are no benefits to the North, then it would be of concern. I don’t have all of the specifics of the business that the Member is referring to. I think it is a rule of thumb that there would...

The benefits of Food Rescue are many. Besides saving the landfill from tonnes of waste, the vegetable trimmings are being composted and cardboard is recycled. Beneficiaries include the Salvation Army, Centre for Northern Families, YWCA Rockhill Apartments and the Alison McAteer House, Yellowknife Food Bank, the SideDoor, the John Howard Society, and the Weledeh School Lunch Program.

Food Rescue not only addresses food access issues of the homeless and the disadvantaged, but also addresses environmental issues by making the maximum use of food products shipped to the North.

This program is being...

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to item 3, Members’ statements.

---Unanimous consent granted

Most of our funding in ITI is business related. We could assist with funding to establish a business plan or to do some market research along those lines.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d just like to point out that the Western Harvesters Assistance Program was not intended for forestry operations; it was intended for people who live on the land.

There are no existing sawmills except for one in Hay River, mainly because of the difficulty in getting access to forest resources.

In terms of business programs, business programs are available to any business and it’s all based on feasibility. I’m very pleased to point out that in conjunction with the Minister of ENR, there is Biomass Strategy funding that’s available to the tune of $5 million over three...

I’m not aware of any specific directions that are given to deputy ministers or senior managers other than I know that most employees take it upon themselves to report to their supervisors if they are involved in any organizations and so on, just to be on the safe side, I presume.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have a code of conduct for employees respecting conflict of interest. We also have an oath of secrecy for employees. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this evening the francophone population of the Northwest Territories will honour their own with the first Francophone Entrepreneurial Awards. These awards will not only identify outstanding francophone businesses, but will highlight the importance of French entrepreneurs in developing the economy of the Northwest Territories.

French entrepreneurs have been active in the North for over 300 years. It is good to see that their efforts are being acknowledged. The event will be held here in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly and hosted by Counseil de developpement economique des...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When we investigate these types of complaints or businesses, we use spirit and intent. The whole spirit and intent of the Business Incentive Policy is to provide for northern preference. Certainly we would investigate and our normal practice is if they don’t meet the criteria, then they wouldn’t be eligible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We actually have people right on the ground that can go and investigate the business to make sure that there are products that are being sold, that they are sold here from an establishment in the Northwest Territories. As well, we do a check on the individual’s involvement in the business. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.