Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about some government financial management policies on payment for services from local contractors, especially from small businesses operating in small, remote communities. I’m sure many of the Members of this House have received or heard similar concerns from their constituents with regard to the 90 days it takes for this government to issue payment for services it receives, although the Financial Administration Manual indicates a 20-day payment schedule for these services.

This three-month delay, Mr. Speaker, can cause the downfall of many small businesses. Simply put, small businesses just cannot afford to carry on with this process because many do not have the AA3 credit rating this government enjoys. To my knowledge, every local business has an obligation to pay for the materials or supplies they require to carry on with their company on the very day that they are received, otherwise the suppliers will not allow the supplies to be delivered.

Mr. Speaker, if this government is supportive of the small business sector of our economy and promotes fair competition for all public tenders it advertises here in the NWT, a policy which will require a more supportive approach to sustainable business development has to be implemented and strictly adhered to by government staff so that these smaller, sometimes newer, private businesses can openly compete for some of the more lucrative tendered items along with the larger, more established businesses with bigger credit and deeper pockets.

Time and time again, Mr. Speaker, I’ve heard local small businesses being put on the edge of bankruptcy or insolvency because of the length of time it takes them to receive payment from the Government of the Northwest Territories. Many discontinue submitting bids for future projects related to their small businesses because of this fact.

Mr. Speaker, locally owned businesses are a vital part of our economy, especially in the small communities. These local entrepreneurs are the driving force in their community's growth and development and I will be urging this government to consider endorsing a better policy that shows an accurate picture of this Assembly’s vision for self-reliant people, communities and the NWT. What better way of doing this than by having this government start with policies that support and safeguard the success of all small businesses of the NWT and of individuals and families many of our smaller communities rely on to provide their families with healthy living and a brighter future for their children. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause