Debates of March 29, 2004 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am looking at the BIP, it says under section 1, statement of policy, I go to subsection 2, “provide financial support through the reinvestment of corporate earnings to the northern economy. My question is what indication does he have by waiving the BIP will that meet that statement I read earlier, that we will have investment in our northern economies by waiving the BIP? Thank you.

----Applause

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, I’m told that a lot of northern companies have picked up the tender documents for this project. If they are successful then that certainly means increased business throughout the North. Second, Mr. Speaker, if we can find a way of getting more houses into the communities, we would not only deal with the issue of housing shortages and affordable housing, but more houses mean more business for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I’ll look for any way I can to ensure that we deal with those two issues of adequate, affordable housing and ensuring that we’re giving business opportunities to northerners. If we can build 40 or 100 or 500 houses through another way, that means more business for everyone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Premier, for that answer. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to now proceed not far down that page and read under number two called principles. Item number one under principles says to provide existing northern businesses with a level of incentive that compensates for the higher costs of operating businesses in the Northwest Territories, this business incentive will allow for northern businesses to compete successfully with southern businesses. I think that’s been the crux of all our concern here. Can the Premier answer how this statement is being realized? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Hawkins, your line of questioning doesn’t fall within your original statement. If you can keep your questions to the original statement and not try to reintroduce new statements. So your question to the statement.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate you pointing that out. I’m asking how is this statement being realized by waiving the BIP? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, we know one thing for sure and that is that the BIP does not save us money. We don’t know if it costs, how much it costs, and so on, but we certainly know it does not save us money. In terms of increasing opportunities for northerners, trying this out, seeing if it works, if we can get affordable housing out there and we get more housing out there, then that all means more business for somebody. Whether it’s business people in Yellowknife or others who may do the work that’s necessary in setting up these units, we don’t know. Our objective here is to get more affordable housing into the communities where there are shortages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognizing the clock, the time for oral questions has lapsed. I will allow Mr. Hawkins to conclude his supplementaries. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the recognition of the clock and allowing me to finish my questions. Mr. Speaker, under section five -- and I’m still concerned with the waiving of the BIP and understanding how it’s meeting our goals -- number one under general points out that the authority to make exemptions and approval revisions to the policy rests with the Executive Council. Now, I won’t argue with that, but how are we to translate when we waive and don’t waive and how is the Premier supposed to get that communicated out to the general public as we’re trying to meet our policy goals? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Premier. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, I believe every policy or practically every policy of this government has had a similar provision in it that allows the Executive Council to make exceptions where those are warranted. Mr. Speaker, in situations like this one we run into two objectives. One is to have adequate, affordable housing and the other one is to have maximized northern economic opportunities. We often have to deal with both of these and we don’t want to compromise one more than the other if we can help it. In some situations we have to decide which one is the highest priority. In this case, Mr. Speaker, it is our decision that on a pilot basis we’ll try this out, make an exception and see whether or not getting these extra units into the communities is achievable.

Mr. Speaker, I have to say that policies are policies. They are general directions and guidelines. They’re not one of the Ten Commandments. They’re not laws. There is room for some exception there where we can warrant it. Mr. Speaker, we have to work with the committees and the regular Members when doing that, so if there are any suggestions or recommendations of how we can improve the communications on when we make exceptions, then I’m certainly open to hearing that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question to the Premier is emphasizing on his point that the BIP does not save us money. The Premier just said that. I think it’s well within the Premier’s ability to put the brakes on this and demand that the BIP apply. Recognizing that this whole side of the House wants this BIP reinstated on this potential bid contract tender, would the Premier be willing to make every effort within his means to ensure that this BIP will apply to this tender, recognizing that this whole side of the House is screaming for that type of action as well as the community? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

----Applause

Order. Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 108-15(3): Waiving The Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation has already committed to bringing this back to the next Cabinet meeting and we’ll have that discussion then. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The time for oral questions is concluded. Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the visitors' gallery and welcome a few of our visitors. I’d like to welcome you to the Northwest Territories and the Legislative Assembly. Welcome.