Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the importance of aboriginal development corporations in the Northwest Territories.
These corporations provide an important economic instrument for aboriginal people to have some degree of economic control over their future, and to provide employment and training opportunities for aboriginal people. This helps build important infrastructure in our communities, and keeps the wealth within the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I know that to some extent, this government has offered encouragement to aboriginal development corporations. However, I believe we should be providing a definite focus on these types of organizations. Consideration should be given to assisting in the development of these corporations, and providing opportunities for their future growth.
However, Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about the composition of the corporations. I am not aware, at this time, of any legislation or policy that states the specifics of what would constitute an aboriginal development corporation. Does it mean all shareholders are aboriginal people, or 51 percent aboriginal shareholders? Does the government have any requirements for an organization to call itself an aboriginal development corporation?
I will be pursuing these questions with the appropriate Minister during question period today. Mr. Speaker, as I have stated before, I believe that these organizations are important economic instruments for aboriginal people, and should be fully encouraged by this government.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause