Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. In my statement I made reference to SEED funding in the amount of $21.5 million that were distributed to all 33 communities in 2014 and 2015. The question that I have for the Minister is how are grants and contributions monitored to ensure they are used for their intended purpose? Mahsi.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to inform the Member that ITI, who currently distributes SEED, is reviewing the outcomes and effectiveness of the program and the delivery of SEED programs, and this is something that we'll be hopefully finishing up by the end of this fiscal year and be able to present to the standing committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Could the Minister state in terms of committee and this side of the House, in terms of how it is that perhaps the review's been done, whether there's a scope of a terms of reference or a framework in terms of just how detailed perhaps the report could be developed in terms of accounting for that amount of money from that year, but also perhaps for the past fiscal year?
I can't answer that question in detail, I'd have to get back to you exactly how we're doing the review. But what I can say is we are completing it. As I said, the SEED policy and programs is expected to be completed this fiscal year, and we will be tabling it with the committee as soon as that's possible.
From start to successful stage in terms of deriving profit from perhaps a business venture, what are we doing to help small businesses become self-sustaining? Mahsi.
As this Assembly knows, I'm a small business owner prior to coming to public life, and I know the importance of sustaining a small business. As of today, I actually had an opportunity to meet with a group that is working with BDIC, it's called Futurpreneur and it lays out the groundwork from the business idea to establishing a business plan to working through to marketing to become a successful business as well as matching up entrepreneurs with mentors. This is the one of things that BDIC is doing through one of the initiatives through the Department of ITI. As I just found out about it today, it's something i really want to look into to help entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are good things that this department is doing in terms of supporting small businesses in small communities. Just to name a few, like, there's a Business Incentive Policy and plus there's policy in terms of how it is that this department provides funding for small businesses. One proviso is if there's an existing business in a small community the department heeds to the policy of, you know, not creating any market disruption and policies like that. How often are programs reviewed to ensure effectiveness and incorporate feedback from clientele?
I don't have an answer to that question. I'll have to get back to the Member on that.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.
