Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, small business is a key component of a strong diversified economy. Any entrepreneur can tell you that operating an independent business requires more hard work and determination than most people ever imagine. It also comes with immense rewards, not only to the business owners themselves, but to the communities they serve. The small business environment is becoming increasingly challenging across Canada, but especially in the Northwest Territories. Like everywhere, northern businesses are forced to compete with big box stores, multinational conglomerates, the explosion of online services, as well as high costs, economies of scale and numerous procedures and policies at various levels of government. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business Red Tape Report consistently gives the Northwest Territories a failing grade for inaction and lack of leadership. New and young entrepreneurs experience overlapping requirements and lengthy application and permitting processes on top of start-up costs and the steep learning curve that comes naturally with any new start-up business. The GNWT's message of support for small business conflicts with the hoops and ladders entrepreneurs encounter just to get their enterprise off the ground. We only have to look at the NWT Brewing Company and Woodyard Pub as an example. While the GNWT has made some improvements with the Bizpal online service to help entrepreneurs navigate start-up and operation, the SEED program is frequently oversubscribed and sometimes seems like the government refers to it as the never-ending pot of gold for everyone's great ideas.
Mr. Speaker, small business should be one of our key economic diversification components. Dedicated and informed staff at the front line play a key role in supporting entrepreneurs who are trying to put together the crucial pieces of their operation. For example, the Hay River egg producers searched worldwide for months, Mr. Speaker, to find recyclable cardboard cartons for their eggs. The government's approach to small business must reflect their values to our communities. These operations are often generational, cherished by the community for their character, dedicated to the people they serve and knowledge of their local market. These businesses have no comparison to big box franchises of the world. We need to work with small business sector toward a shared vision for what we want small business to look like in the North, and take strategic steps to get there. At the appropriate time I'll have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
