Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week is Small Business Week in the Northwest Territories. Small business contributes much more than revenue and services to communities; they strengthen the social fabric and cultural identity of the places we call home. They are strong sponsors and volunteers.
Yellowknife is blessed with entrepreneurs who provide services, goods and employment enriching our lives and being good neighbours. Weledeh itself is rich with businesses that produce healthy ripples throughout the community. The arts, recycling, outdoor guiding and recreation, clothing, furniture, restaurants and accommodation are a few examples. In fact, small entrepreneurs from throughout Yellowknife are coming together to support the sale of their wares to the public through the wildly successful Yellowknife Farmers Market at Somba K’e Civic Plaza operation weekly through the summer in the heart of the city. Today I would like to profile this enterprise.
The market features locally grown, harvested and processed items including fresh produce, fresh and smoked fish, local syrups and teas, jams and preserves, baked goods, international cuisine produced locally, arts and crafts, and health and beauty products. In 2014 the market doubled its GDP impact to nearly $1 million of benefit to Yellowknife.
The market also helps strengthen the social fabric of the city. The Tuesday evening markets encourage people to come together with friends and family congregating to enjoy dinner and entertainment in the fresh, though sometimes smoky, air to visit and purchase products made or grown by their friends and neighbours. Many non-profit and community organizations took advantage of the crowds to deliver their message and raise their profile, and performers were able to increase their public exposure through busking.
The crowds were incredible and the energy amazing, a tribute to what can happen when a community comes together for mutual benefit. It was hugely successful.
ITI came through with investments in the Farmers Market for the purchase of carts, tables, signage and supplies and marketing and promotion, including the development of a logo and branding. Combined with the dedication of the market board and retailers, this modest investment contributed to the development of community self-sufficiency, food security, pride in the community, a stronger social fabric and positive economic activity that helps with the cost of living.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saying to the Yellowknife market, well done. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
