Katrina Nokleby

Those milestones are part of what we need to identify going forward. I know you didn't ask that part, but you do have your question. What we do know at this point is that we are all globally in this together. The collective, worldwide effort that will be put into economic recovery may, in itself, be unprecedented in a positive sense. The Northwest Territories economy was struggling in advance of the crisis. Unfortunately, we were largely struggling alone. Industry had alternatives for their investments. It was hard to get federal attention to the North's economic needs. These things have...

For individuals who have applied and received these loans, and for all existing BDIC client, a three-month loan payment deferment or reduction initiative was also offered. This three-month period was initially identified as a time in which we would be able to gauge the extent of the problems facing our business community. I can advise the Member that, in response to demand from our clients, the BDIC is extending its deferral and/or payment reduction period to the end of this fiscal year. In total, this extension as estimated will save between $4.5 and $5 million in cash flow during the 2020...

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.

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.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I do just have an update. It was last done in April of 2019. At that time, two years ago, they added a $75,000 increase for strategic initiatives. I just wanted to let the Member know that. I commit to doing this soon. SEED has become one of the largest conversations I have been having in the last while. I think that it is a great tool for us to use to build small business in the North. We have had lots and lots of conversation about how business is needed in the North. I commit to review the SEED program in whole. Let me get through COVID. I will perhaps say by the end...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, we can share that with you before it's finalized. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, I commit to looking into whether we can create that policy. Thank you, Madam Chair.