Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to speak as a Member for the Nahendeh riding. It is about representing all six communities. Mr. Speaker, Wrigley is facing job losses after being passed over for a highway maintenance contract. Pehdzeh Ki Contractors bid on a contract to do the maintenance on part of Highway No. 1. Unfortunately, they were not successful with their bid on this contract.
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately this is not the end of the story as they say. Mr. Speaker, Wrigley was the last community of the Nahendeh tour with the three Ministers in October of this year. As we headed into a meeting the Chief and some of the counselors and community members addressed this concern. Even though the Minister of Transportation wasn't there, that was a prime issue brought forth.
Mr. Speaker, the loss of the highway contract puts five to seven people out of work, this could affect up to 10 families, which is not good at all. Mr. Speaker, this is not about the process, it is about people's lives. It is about working, not social income.
What saddened me is how the band found out that they lost the contract; the previous day they had a meeting with some public servants from Yellowknife after setting up a meeting with the Minister. Unfortunately, the very next day they were informed that the contract was awarded without even given the opportunity to discuss it with the Minister.
Mr. Speaker, it was very disappointing that the commitment was made, then it was not. To make it even more disappointing, the Development Corporation had to purchase brand new equipment in order to initiate receiving the previous contract. Mr. Speaker, it was my understanding that there would be a potential of extending the contract at least two to five years, until the equipment was paid off. Unfortunately, this did not happen. So now, not only did they lose their jobs, they also have to foot the bill to pay for this equipment.
The press reported that the Minister was unable to meet due to other work commitments, and communicated this in a letter, but not by phone which could have easily been done. Mr. Speaker, here is a perfect opportunity for the government to do something to help a small community, and they slam the door on them. To even do more damage, the airport contract was brought up at the meeting and the department wanted to discuss it with them, consolation prize so to speak.
Mr. Speaker, if this is the Minister's real understanding at what capacity building was about, he would understand for small communities you need to work harder to get things done. Mr. Speaker, today I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Frame Lake.
