Steve Norn

Marsi cho, Madam Chair. The committee wishes to deal with Tabled Document 181-19(2), Capital Estimates 2021-2022, Department of Finance. Marsi cho, Madam Chair.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Motion 17-19(2): WHEREAS this Legislative Assembly is required to appoint Members to the Board of Management in accordance with Section 36 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act;

AND WHEREAS there is a requirement for the naming of two Members to hold the positions of deputy chairpersons of Committee of the Whole;

AND WHEREAS there is currently a vacancy in one of the positions of deputy chair of Committee of the Whole and it is desirable to appoint another Member;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that the...

Again, thank you for that response. Okay. Switching gears a little bit, will the GNWT set a goal or a target to increase government contracts for Indigenous business?

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Just in line with my Member's statement yesterday on procurement, I heard my colleague from Yellowknife North speak about wood stoves, and Mr. David Giroux does wood stoves in Detah. That's a pretty cool gig. My ultimate goal here is to see a company from one of our small communities that competes with the Amazons of the world, so I would like to see that. Anyway, my first question here is for the Minister of ITI, and my question for her is: how does the GNWT support Aboriginal and northern business development? Furthermore, what extra support is available to help...

Madam Chair, I move that this committee defer further consideration of the estimates for the Department of Finance at this time. Thank you.

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. The second motion, motion 18-19(2) for appointment to standing committees on economic development and environment, government operations, and social development:

WHEREAS Rule 89(2) requires that Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment;

AND WHEREAS Rule 89(2) requires that Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Government Operations;

AND WHEREAS Rule 89(2) requires that Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Social Development;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North...

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Again, thank you for that response. At least we'll get that dialogue going. Like I said, we want to make sure we get as much juice for our squeeze for our businesses and business community. My last question: in my riding, in order for a new business in Ndilo, Detah, Deninu Kue, or Lutselk'e, to compete on government contracts, what supports are there for the businesses in my riding? Marsi cho.

I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for that response from the Minister. I really think there is a gap there to help our businesses along because, ultimately, we don't want to see any of our businesses fail. We want to see them thrive, start and thrive, and get them out of the garages, for an idea that starts from birth to see them succeed later on. That's what the ultimate goal is. Anyway, my next question is: has the GNWT looked at programs such as the 8(a) Program or similar programs as a model that could be followed here in the Northwest Territories?

Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to recognize my CA from Deninu Kue, Lorraine Villeneuve, here to visit. She just drove into town. I showed her around the building, and she already met a few of the Members, here. I'd like to welcome her to the Legislative Assembly today. Marsi cho.

My third question is: can the Premier explain, if someone is having a mental health crisis while in self-isolation, where can they reach out for help aside from the navigators?