Katrina Nokleby

I can only speak for myself, not for the rest of Cabinet in those discussions, so I do just want to speak as my department. One of the challenges we have faced has been the speed of which life and times are changing with respect to the COVID pandemic. We're running into situations we never have before, and we're trying to find solutions on the fly. As we move into phase 2 and a period of economic recovery, we are only now able to consider the challenges and paths that are ahead. We have put a number of pieces in place to help us. They include the three advisory boards, including the business...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Member for her attention to this. I think we both share a common interest in seeing our businesses succeed. That being said, one of the foundations that is expected for our government is that our programs are fair and equal to everyone, especially in the situations where the resources are limited. We're very conscious of supporting one business in a market over one of its competitors. We are equally as conscious, though, of how we support businesses in Yellowknife compared to businesses in other communities. I recognize the point the Member is...

ITI is in the business of helping Northwest Territories businesses and the Northwest Territories economy grow and prosper. If a Northwest Territories resident has a legal and viable business plan and meets the required qualifications, ITI supports, programs, and services are there to be accessed. When it comes to a tannery, I understand that there is an initiative being pursued by our South Slave regional office and a project that Fort Providence is leading. The department has supported a pre-feasibility and business plan for this work.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following three documents: "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 45-19(2): Tlicho All-Season Access Road Contract"; "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 85-19(2): Tlicho All-Season Road"; "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 187-19(2): National Trade Corridor for Frank Channel Bridge." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

ITI and ECE share responsibility to support the arts and fine crafts. We are currently working with ECE to finalize an updated strategy to guide and inform our government's support of the arts sector in the future. We do have a variety of commercial operators who sell and showcase art. We also showcase regional artists in our artist displays at the airports and in our parks. I do commit to the Member to have a conversation with my department about ensuring that there is commercial space in every community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ITI supports the business of arts to the tune of $1.6 million every year for a variety of projects. Our regional program delivery routinely includes support for the marketing, promotion, and delivery of arts initiatives. In addition to providing funding support, our regional offices provide regular marketing support for artists, such as making business cards, helping to update online profiles, and assisting during craft fairs in a non-COVID era. We have a micro-business program under SEED that provides funds to purchase materials, up to $5,000 over three years, and no...

I am certainly willing to follow up on this matter with Minister of ECE. ITI, and I personally, recognize the value of our traditional arts and crafts. I have been supportive of our jewellery makers for quite a while now. Passing on the traditional knowledge is a very valuable and needed thing in the Northwest Territories, and I'm very happy to support initiatives like this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In the pre-COVID era, I had directed my department that I wanted a review of MTS, and I will continue to do so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I believe that the food program one is one that is application based, so, therefore, sometimes we have the amount of money, we think we're going to spend it all, and then somebody doesn't meet their obligations or retracts their application or such. That's why you would see different numbers there. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I will probably provide it, because it is a big list, but I can look for -- I have to see what your organization is called, here, just one second. I'm not seeing you guys. I think you'd be under the Akaitcho? No. They're not done by regions, my apologies. Some of them are regions; some are business development centres. How about we'll return to the Member with that as a written answer? Thank you, Madam Chair.