Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the GNWT website it states the purpose of the Business Incentive Policy is to give preference on government procurement to businesses that are owned and operated within the NWT. It is designed to promote economic growth and capacity within the NWT business and the economy. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, I spoke about a nonBIPed business getting the same preference as a local BIPed company in my riding and being awarded the contract even though the policy states otherwise.
Mr. Speaker, the BIP policy applies to certain government agencies and does not capture some of the other government GNWT public agencies and department, including some Crown corporations. But in schedule 1 of the Business Incentive Policy, it specifically points out it applies to, number 2, the NWT Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, we are asked as Members to approve budgets worth millions of dollars in public funds that flow through this House and some of these corporations. While I understand that it's part of our job, I do think it's a fair request to have our Crown corporations be open and accountable to this House, especially if things go over budget or when policies are not followed.
Mr. Speaker, an example of the BIP not being followed is possibly over $70 million worth of contracts given to nonBIPed contractors with Alberta mailing addresses this year in my community alone. And I fully understand some part of these dollars are spent from supplies or expertise not available in the NWT but anything that can be done in the NWT should be done by NWT residents who meet their and are BIPed and are monitored and held accountable when spending public dollars.
Mr. Speaker, I don't think this is the intent of the policy. How are we to grow our economy and provide opportunities for our residents if we are not enforcing the BIP policy to its fullest, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, I believe by having one policy that gives preference to our NWT residents and business that is applied across all our departments and agencies, including our Crown corporations, will do nothing but strengthen our residents, businesses, economy, our territory, and if it's implemented and monitored properly. And that's a government that I want to be part of. I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
