Shane Thompson

The Minister said, "A lot of people do not understand our BIP adjustment is subject to [the] Canadian free trade agreements and international [...] agreements." Can the Minister advise us how BIP has an impact on the Canadian free trade and international agreements moving forward?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Tuesday, the Minister of Infrastructure said, "What BC is trying to do, I am not even sure if they are doing it. I have to double check." Can the Minister tell us if he or his department has reached out to BC government on how they deal with out-of-province contractors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the pleasure of being invited into Mary Deneron's home during my last visit to Sambaa K'e. I would like to thank her for a great visit. I was very fortunate that her grandson was able translate for me. I would like to thank Dennis for coming in with me.

Mary Deneron was born between Sambaa K'e and Fort Liard to Baptiste and Anna Jumbo on July 16, 1931. She had nine other siblings: six brothers and three sisters. Mary remembers life being very hard. She had the responsibility to cut wood, bring it into the home, and check the fish nets year-round. As well, she...

Thank you. I thank the Minister for his answers moving forward. My last question is basically: we are seeing a lot of southern companies come in and take contracts from northern companies. Has the department or the government looked at making sure that they have a socio-economic impact and economic multipliers as part of it because right now, when we see money, southern companies get contracts? That money is going down south with limited money staying back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Since this could be part of the tender process or tender contract, how does the department ensure that part of this is actually being followed by the contractors?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate the Minister providing the answers to us here today. I realize the Minister thinks that the BIP policy is probably one of the best policies that the Government of the Northwest Territories ever created. I would have to agree. It is a great policy in the original state. However, it has been changed to what some northern contractors that I have talked to don't think is a great policy, and we are seeing more and more southern companies come north and taking away contracts and jobs. Will the Minister be willing to look at the policy that was originally in...

I am hoping the Minister can share that with me when he gets it together. Mr. Speaker, the Minister also quoted, "I have a lot of opportunities to speak to different people about BIP." Has the Minister spoken to northern contractors, specifically those in the southern part of the NWT, about their concerns regarding the new way the Business Incentive Policy has been implemented?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize Robert Bouchard, a fellow Hay Riveran. He did recognize me in the House, and now I'm returning the favour. Welcome to the House, one of the Fab Five, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

When the Minister talked on Tuesday, as well, he talked about there being 46 big projects and 1,501 projects. Can the Minister tell us what the total value of the 46 projects were together and what the total was for the 1,501 projects?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a number of the ladies from the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship: Chloe Dragon Smith, whom I have the opportunity to know since she was a young lady in sports; as well as Tina Decouto, who used to live in Fort Simpson, and now she is in Iqaluit; and of course, one of my constituents, Kristen Tanche. Thank you, and welcome to the House, and to the other fellows here as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.