Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the goals of the Sahtu region has to look at the financial stability that will stimulate the Sahtu economy in our region and develop the resources. Mr. Speaker, I had a chance to look at the negotiated contracts that the government produces every year and I looked over them for the last three years. These documents tell a very sad story, Mr. Speaker. We need to do better in my region.
For example, in 2009-2010, I see a $23 million negotiated contract with a local firm in Fort Smith to renovate the health centre. I also saw a $6.8 million negotiated contract for Tuktoyaktuk. In my region, I see a negotiated contract for $900,000. Compared to other regions, Mr. Speaker, we’re talking peanuts here.
It’s even worse in the year before, Mr. Speaker. A negotiated contract was awarded for the Beaufort-Delta for $11 million for transportation work. There are more than five to six million dollars of negotiated contracts for other Aboriginal companies in Monfwi and Nahendeh ridings. I see no issue with this, Mr. Speaker...(inaudible)...
Mr. Yakeleya
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I start over again?
The light went off just shortly before you quit talking, I think. So if you want to start back from one paragraph back, Mr. Yakeleya.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There were five to six million dollars negotiated contracts with other Aboriginal companies in the Monfwi and Nahendeh ridings. I see no issue with this if it benefits local people, Mr. Speaker, but there must be fairness. If it can be done in the other regions, surely it can be done in mine, and again, in the Sahtu, one little negotiated contract for $200,000 was awarded.
Mr. Speaker, there is a long-term trend to this. In 2008 this government negotiated a $28 million contract here in Yellowknife. Surely some other companies would have loved to have bid on that work, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to remind the government that employment in my region is epidemic and I don’t see much to strengthen or to stabilize our economy.
Mr. Speaker, in our land claim, economic benefits was our goal in our settlement. I’d like to remind the government of this too. I’d also like to remind the government of the first goal of the Negotiated Contracts Policy: benefits for business or residents, which could not be reasonably expected to achieve through competitive contracting.
I’ll ask the Premier later, Mr. Speaker, on questions regarding the Negotiated Contracts Policy.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
