Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement is regarding the corporate registries division of the Department of Justice.
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to compliment the Department of Justice's corporate registries division for the accessibility of information of all societies registered in the NWT. Each society's constitution, financial statements, and list of directors' information is available to all simply by accessing the information for a modest fee. However, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to corporations, the access to important information is not available. The ownership of each privatelyheld company registered in the NWT is hidden from the public. The province of Alberta and other jurisdictions have made ownership disclosure mandatory for all registered private corporations. The NWT should do the same.
Mr. Speaker, currently, we have many unknown companies operating in the NWT. Many do not bother to obtain local community government business license. We have concerns about some of the business practice of these companies. If they do not pay their bills, how can we follow up? We would like to know who these companies are and who owns these corporations. Mr. Speaker, I will have question for the Minister of Justice at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
