Bob McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Government of the Northwest Territories offers a wide range of programs to assist entrepreneurs get established and grow their businesses. For example, Industry, Tourism and Investment has a network of regional offices staffed by experienced, well-trained economic development officers who assist and advise small businesses on a daily basis.

One of the key functions is to recommend funding sources such as the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development, better known as the SEED policy for contributions or community futures, and the Business Development and...

Yes, I do, Mr. Chair.

As I indicated, the Government of the Northwest Territories has begun the process of obtaining the European Union Recognition status on behalf of Inuvialuit hunters to be exempt from the EU International Seal Ban, and we're also working with our neighbours in Nunavut, I understand. Once completed, this initiative will provide Northwest Territories' seals and seal products to all European Union markets. Under the Hide and Fur Procurement Program, negative impacts of the European Union’s seal ban had been limited by maintaining prices to harvesters at $55 per skin. This amount has recently been...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fur program is one of our longest-standing programs and the government is very happy to be able to continue to contribute and support trappers, because we know that any funding that we provide and any return to the harvesters goes directly to the communities and protects their way of life. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment currently retains responsibility for marketing and promotional activities and managing the high procurement program to support traditional crafts. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is jointly managed by the departments of...

Mr. Speaker, advancing, finalizing and implementing land resources and self-government agreements is one of the key priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly and one of my personal priorities. The negotiation of Aboriginal rights agreements is underway in all regions of our territory as Aboriginal peoples seek to clarify their rights over land resources and governance. Completing these agreements will be the foundation for economic development and improved social conditions in the Northwest Territories. Confirming who has title to what land and eliminating uncertainty will increase...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Past experience suggests that the development of a legislation this size and complexity of an Ombudsman Act would require four more years in the drafting of the initial legislative proposal through to the passage of a bill. The full cost of the bill’s development is difficult to estimate but the ongoing costs of operating an ombudsman office have been estimated to be in excess of $500,000 annually. An ombudsman office will not by itself replace or eliminate any of the many dozens of statutory appeal processes or officers already established in legislation and programs. An...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left, I have Penny Ballantyne, the secretary to Cabinet and deputy minister of the Executive. To my right, I have Michael Aumond, the secretary to the Financial Management Board and deputy minister of Finance.

Under the Industry, Tourism and Investment Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Program, better known as the SEED Program, current trappers can access funding to purchase trapping supplies based on previous harvest records. Eligible trappers can access up to $5,000 over five years. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources also administers programs to assist hunters and trappers. The Local Wildlife Committee funds, about $258,000, provides funding to defray a portion of the administration costs for local committees that represent the interests of community wildlife...

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment consults with the Inuvialuit Regional Council and Inuvialuit communities to ensure harvesters have access to markets by continuing to enhance existing programs. In 2013/2014, Industry, Tourism and Investment incorporated muskox hides into the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program as a means of guaranteeing substance harvesters added value for good quality hides. These hides are sold to Jacques Cartier Clothier Qiviuk for a profit with all revenue directed to the harvester. This includes the Prime Fur Bonus payment of $50 a hide, which is...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Caroline Cochrane will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roundtable in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.