Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of the Housing Corporation in regards to the latest update on the ATCO Novel housing product. Mr. Speaker, we have just got the information that the size of this project has reduced quite a bit, from 1,400 housing units to about 830.

Mr. Speaker, let me just start by saying once again that I believe that ATCO Novel is a good product. It is a clever idea. It is a company that could stand on its own. The issue here is whether or not this government and this territory and people of the Territories are getting enough...

Mr. Speaker, I believe the difference is that we are paying for the premium to buy the cleanup of the yard for $28 million. We are paying project management costs in $20 million that we are not under the Affordable Housing Strategy. We are spending $21 million on financing and contingency. We are paying way extra under Novel than buying brand new manufactured homes or any other home. I would suggest to the Minister that he does his homework over again and this project is way far away from being done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated already, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding for a lot of small businesses they may, it’s not how much revenue you get, it’s, you know, after you take out the expenses from revenue, and for a lot of businesses if they make $300,000, anywhere near that, they’re doing really good. But a lot of people don’t make it that high. I think that’s why the government needs to look at reducing those tax rates up to $300,000. Could I ask a specific question to the Minister? Could the Minister provide us with how much small business income tax this government has...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today rises out of the Member's statement, which I admit had a number of issues. But one of the points that I was trying to raise was with respect to the government’s responsibility to do all that he can to pay attention to the cumulative effects of all the things that add up -- the high fuel costs, the high labour costs, the high taxes, the WCB rates, and such -- that hinders the businesses from operating businesses in the North. Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you that the northern businesses are up to the challenge. They are aware that things are...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stated already, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding for a lot of small businesses they may, it’s not how much revenue you get, it’s, you know, after you take out the expenses from revenue, and for a lot of businesses if they make $300,000, anywhere near that, they’re doing really good. But a lot of people don’t make it that high. I think that’s why the government needs to look at reducing those tax rates up to $300,000. Could I ask a specific question to the Minister? Could the Minister provide us with how much small business income tax this government has...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today rises out of the Member's statement, which I admit had a number of issues. But one of the points that I was trying to raise was with respect to the government’s responsibility to do all that he can to pay attention to the cumulative effects of all the things that add up -- the high fuel costs, the high labour costs, the high taxes, the WCB rates, and such -- that hinders the businesses from operating businesses in the North. Mr. Speaker, I want to tell you that the northern businesses are up to the challenge. They are aware that things are...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think there’s a lot to be gained by having exchanges here as well as in private offices. Mr. Speaker, could I get the Minister to provide me with the information as to how much it would cost the government to change the income tax rate for small businesses up to $300,000 -- I’m not going $400,000 -- just up to $300,000 to match the Alberta rate? I think we have serious problems in Yellowknife being a big, major centre. Even though the economy is booming, we’re not seeing a lot of people staying here. A lot of people are moving; we can’t be competitive with northern...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to that I’m going to have to be very careful to make sure that I’m clear with my question here. The follow-up to that, Mr. Speaker, is that I know that the Minister is aware, and I understand that the income level that small businesses will be eligible for this low tax rate will go up from $300,000 to $400,000, which is a good thing, but not too many businesses in the North make that much. What is also important is to raise the tax rate for those who are making first $300,000 and I’d like to know whether or not…The government has suggested reducing small tax...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as advertised, I held a meeting with my constituents at Range Lake North School last night and, although the turnout was not large, it was a valuable and substantial opportunity for me to get an input from my constituents on a number of issues that are before us here in the House and also to hear from them about what’s important to them.

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that we spoke and listened about the new affordable housing initiative, the Yellowknife educational facilities plan, the Deh Cho Bridge project, and lots and lots about a whole issue surrounding...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think there’s a lot to be gained by having exchanges here as well as in private offices. Mr. Speaker, could I get the Minister to provide me with the information as to how much it would cost the government to change the income tax rate for small businesses up to $300,000 -- I’m not going $400,000 -- just up to $300,000 to match the Alberta rate? I think we have serious problems in Yellowknife being a big, major centre. Even though the economy is booming, we’re not seeing a lot of people staying here. A lot of people are moving; we can’t be competitive with northern...