Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions for the Minister of ITI. Considering the bleak forecast of the economy here at home and all over the world, considering that even during the good times many of the communities did not benefit economically, what’s government going to do in the short term — within the next three months is Christmas season — to keep the economy healthy?
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Northwest Territories has been in the enviable position where it’s been sheltered more than other jurisdictions from the volatility of the national and world economies, especially since our gross domestic product has been consistently strong over the past ten years.
But as a government we’ve introduced some new initiatives. Most recently we’re just in the process of rolling out the SEED Policy, the Strategic Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Program which is geared to levels 2 and 3 communities. We are investing $2.5 million that’s now available under this new policy. The approach we’re taking as a government is to focus on developing an economy in every community. We’re working very hard on that, and we think we’ve been successful in the Nunakput region.
It’s Nun-ak-put, for the Minister, with a “T.”
Will the government find innovative and cooperative solutions to allow small businesses in our small communities to truly benefit from government contracts and spending?
In keeping with our approach of developing the economy in every community, we’re looking at trying to do that in all of the 33 communities of the Northwest Territories. In the Nunakput riding there are four communities, so we think we’re well underway, as Tuk has oil and gas. In Sachs Harbour we’re working on developing the muskox harvesting program. For Ulukhaktok we have a subsidiary developed, a Holman Island subsidiary, to start up the art and print making, and Paulatuk has the Darnley Bay resources. So we’re working very hard in that area, and we’re working with the members of the community.
Will the government work with the regional centres, such as Nunakput businesses, and federal and local governments, to review and implement measures to the truly strategic coordination of streamlining with our great territory’s economic development?
We’re prepared to work with all of the agencies and governments involved in economic development in the region. We’re currently negotiating an MOU on contracting with the Inuvialuit regional council. We are always working for better coordination and streamlining.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Jacobson.
None at this time. I heard all that good news.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
