Kieron Testart

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Of critical importance is, although only a small number of businesses would benefit, there are only a small number of businesses in the Northwest Territories to begin with, and that's exactly the kind of thing we need to start changing. I thank the Premier for outlining some of the programs we currently have to support entrepreneurs and private sector enterprises. Those are good programs and they should be expanded. Although this tax relief measure will result in lessened government revenues, it is something we can definitely afford, and again, we need to provide a plan...

Mr. Chair, I move that Tabled Document 1-18(2), Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019 be amended on page 11 by inserting the words “We will reduce taxes on small businesses.” Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Final question for the Minister responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency. Can the Minister advise on a potential timeline? Of course, not within a day margin, but perhaps within two years. Could he commit to completing a policy within two years, and fully implementing that policy?

I appreciate we're still in the early days of this government and time needs to be taken to put things together. Does the Minister have a sense of what kind of resources or support to put together this policy and other initiatives as they relate to government transparency?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is International Pink Day, otherwise known as Pink Shirt Day. I'd like to share with this House some background information from the days' organizers. The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when two straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The two students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was an entire school that...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I encourage all Members to support this motion. Thank you.

Mr. Chair, I move that Tabled Document 1-18(2), the Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019 be amended on page 32 by deleting the words “We will do a better job of making our residents aware of the mechanisms available to appeal government decisions” and inserting the words “We will develop and implement an effective communications plan to make residents aware of the mechanisms of available to appeal government decisions.” Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that Tabled Document 1-18(2), Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019, be amended on page 13 by inserting the words “We will review and develop amendments to the Northwest Territories Heritage Fund Act in light of devolution to ensure a defined revenue stream and stronger public governance.”

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In times of economic uncertainty, it is incumbent on this government to provide support to the areas of our economy that work hard to support the activities in our community, create jobs, and continue to provide economic boosts to our local economies. A tax cut on small business is exactly the kind of thing we need to start looking at and start implementing to encourage business growth and to further diversify our economy. This is a small measure, but it will go a long way in helping those who work hard.

Many of my constituents and voters during the election raised this...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to return to the “Economy, Environment and Climate Change” section.