Jane Groenewegen

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Next on the list I have Ms. Lee.

Agreed. We will do that after a short break.

---SHORT RECESS

I would like to call the Committee of the Whole to order today. Members, we have several items before us. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in terms of level I communities, the amalgamation exercise that took place with the Business Development Corporation, with that and the new programs that are available, what has improved for level I communities, which is a community I represent? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome our friends, the Ambassador and the Consul General from the Netherlands. You heard Mr. Speaker say “Mrs. Groenewegen,” so there is one good name down here on the floor of the House.

---Laughter

---Applause

My questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, in keeping with my Member’s statement, Mr. Speaker. The Minister gave a good briefing on the BDIC business program and I thank him for that. One of the changes was to switch the focus to less developed communities and make no direct contributions available to level I communities. I...

Mahsi, Mr. Lafferty. Is committee agreed?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if they had ever considered a two-tiered lending program where the cap could be larger for existing businesses that are expanding and have a proven track record as opposed to the higher risk businesses that are fledgling, new and just being tested out for the first time? Perhaps a different cap for businesses that have already been operating for awhile and offer some history or track record that would give some level of comfort. Also has there been any more thought given to the patient capital program that was discussed...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, speaking of loan access to the larger communities, I would like to ask the Minister about the Community Futures Program. The GNWT has talked about accessing an extra $2 million through the SINED funding. I would like to ask the Minister what is the status of that application for that extra money? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to use my Member’s statement today to tell this government that we are not doing enough to support small business in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, we have expended a lot of time and energy going around and consulting, consulting, consulting. We have amalgamated things. We have come up with a new BDIC, but I tell you today still, if you want to start a business or expand a business, you have got a very rough road ahead of you in terms of accessing capital to do that.

I had the opportunity and thank the Minister of ITI for inviting...

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. At this time, I would ask the Minister if he would like to bring witnesses into the Chamber. Minister Dent.