Debates of March 31, 2004 (day 12)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m going to question the Premier in regard to my concern about waiving of the BIP. Mr. Speaker, the other day I quoted from the policy, therefore, I will not start with that. With the steps being presented and some of the concerns of other Members and in recognition that the policy can be waived and it’s not law, what steps has the Premier taken to ensure that the waiving of the business incentive policy will not become a frequent practice of this Cabinet? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 122-15(3): Waiving Of Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation has earlier this week offered that he will bring this to Cabinet on Thursday. We intend to have a full discussion on it as it relates to housing, but no doubt we’ll have a good discussion on the BIP itself generally. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, RWED is doing some work on a registry. There are some other things being done this year. I can assure the Member that if it seems that we have to make exceptions to any policy on any sort of frequent basis, however you define that, then we would want to rewrite or revise that policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 122-15(3): Waiving Of Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Premier. Mr. Speaker, a constituent called me this morning and talked about the laws of economic opportunity that his business will lose; the fact that he may be bidding on this project just to keep his employees employed by waiving his potential of profit. Does the Premier recognize that this potential exists by northern companies trying to aggressively bid on this project at any cost to keep their employees employed?

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 122-15(3): Waiving Of Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, I’m not familiar with any specific case. I trust that every one of the 17 or so northern companies that have picked up the tender documents are picking it up because they feel that it’s to their advantage to put in a bid or at least consider a bid. It could be to make a profit, it could be to keep things moving in their shop. I’m not sure what their reasons would be. I’m certainly encouraged by the number of northern companies who have picked up the documents and, I assume, intend to submit a tender. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 122-15(3): Waiving Of Business Incentive Policy

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recognizing the time I will drop my fourth question and just ask a yes or no question to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier be able to answer yes or no, clearly and for everyone’s benefit? Would he be willing to consider stopping this project and re-tendering it in a way that it would include the BIP and making that decision this week?

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 122-15(3): Waiving Of Business Incentive Policy

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, we’re discussing it tomorrow at Cabinet. I think the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation has already been asked and said he would consider extending it for two weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.