David Krutko

The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question is being called.

---Carried

Does the committee agree that this concludes Committee Report 5-16(6)?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Contracts are a means to develop economic growth in our communities, but more importantly, government infrastructure such as housing, replacement of schools and public facilities. Mr. Speaker, I’ve asked through a written question in this House how many negotiated contracts were let in my riding, the Mackenzie Delta, for the last five years. Surprisingly, it was $876,000 in five years.

Mr. Speaker, out of a total capital investment of almost $12 million, $9.6 million was expended to contractors from outside my constituency.

Mr. Speaker, economic development is a key...

Does committee agreed?

Question is being called.

---Carried

Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we heard earlier from the Minister, he doesn’t really like to be seen as directing departments or even tour operators for that, but I’d just like to suggest to the Minister that he write those letters and try to entice those people that are handling government contracts or providing government services, that they do consider summer employment as one of their options to stimulate our economy, but more importantly, give our young people an opportunity to go to work. Thank you.

Question is being called.

---Carried

Mr. Menicoche.

Mr. Speaker, as we noted last year, this department had one of the higher summer hires by way of 32 positions, but I notice it’s down this year. I’d like to ask the Minister, to date, how many positions have been hired and are we going to try to exceed the 32 positions from last year.

Are there general comments on Committee Report 5-16(6)? Detail? Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, it took political will and lobbying to the Premier to get this Minister to move on this effort so that he could back down from his reluctance to negotiate contracts. It took public influence to get this Cabinet and government to agree to two projects in my riding.

There were letters from Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic. None were approved to Cabinet. The only reason that went to Cabinet is because the Premier was speaking to the public individuals in the communities by the community leadership so that we can see some benefit from these projects in our communities...