Debates of October 20, 2008 (day 44)

October
20
2008
Session
16th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
44
Speaker
Paul Delorey
Word
Members Present
Mr. Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Ms. Bisaro, Mr. Bromley, Hon. Paul Delorey, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Krutko, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Sandy Lee, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Michael McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. Menicoche, Hon. Michael Miltenberger, Mr. Ramsay, Hon. Floyd Roland, Mr. Yakeleya.
Assembly Members
Topics
Committee Motion 82-16(2) Recommended Funding Increase of $1,400,000 for Highway #7 km 0–254.1 Liard Highway Under the Department of Transportation (TD 93-16(2)) (Committee Motion Carried)
Committee Motion 83-16(2) Deferral of Consideration of Education and Culture Activity in Education, Culture and Employment Capital Estimates (TD 93-16(2)) (Committee Motion Carried)
Committee Motion 84-16(2) Deletion of $12,000,000 from Public Works and Services for GNWT Multi-Use Facility and Records Storage/Request for Market Disruption Analysis/ Technical Evaluations (TD 93-16(2)) (Committee Motion Defeated)
Committee Motion 85-16(2) Recommendation to Advance by One Fiscal Year the Diamond Jenness School Renovation Under the Departmentof Education, Culture and Employment (TD 93-16(2)) (Committee Motion Carried)
Committee Motion 86-16(2) Recommendation to Advance by Two Fiscal Years the JH Sissons School Renovation Under the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (TD 93-16(2)) (Committee Motion Carried)
Committee Motion 87-16(2) Recommendation to Include an Extension to the Mangilaluk School in the Five-Year Capital Plan (Committee Motion Carried)
Committee Motion 88-16(2) Concurrence of Tabled Document 93-16(2): Capital Estimates 2009–2010 (Committee Motion Carried)
Minister’s Statement 110-16(2) Supports for Former Residential School Students
Minister’s Statement 111-16(2) Recognition of Small Business Week 2008
Minister’s Statement 112-16(2) Foster Family Appreciation Week
Minister’s Statement 113-16(2) Meeting of Housing Ministers
Tabled Document 93-16(2) Northwest Territories Capital Estimates 2009–2010
Statements

Minister’s Statement 111-16(2) Recognition of Small Business Week 2008

Mr. Speaker, this is Small Business Week, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs and their businesses across the Northwest Territories.

Small businesses play a vital role in the economy of our communities and our territory. They provide products, services, knowledge and skills that are the foundation of sustainable local economies and enhance our quality of life.

Since March of this year an average of 2,100 individuals per month have reported being self-employed. This represents 10 per cent of all individuals employed in the Northwest Territories. Many of these individuals have and will grow their businesses to the point of being able to employ others as well.

A number of events are being hosted across the NWT in honour of small businesses. Here in Yellowknife a number of agencies — territorial, federal and non-governmental — are offering a full slate of workshops, seminars and video conferences. There are activities related to small business on every day of the week.

In particular, the Northwest Territories Business Development Investment Corporation and Canada Business NWT are offering a daylong workshop on small business bookkeeping, a noon hour video conference on starting a studio craft business and an afternoon video conference on developing a market plan. All of these events will be broadcast live to Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Hay River and Norman Wells. In addition, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will be presenting a full day arts workshop in Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, one of our goals as the 16th Legislative Assembly is a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Our priorities include developing sustainable local economies through small businesses. Small Business Week is an opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs, attend events with a small business focus and meet some of the many individuals who work to support our small businesses every day.

Speaker: Mr. Speaker

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.