Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on December 1, 1993, CBC Mackenzie reported on government contractual practices in Fort Simpson. Mr. Miller of the radio station interviewed a Mr. Schober and Mr. Rowe, regarding the awarding of contracts by direct negotiation, in Fort Simpson. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Schober, in this interview, stated that his company in Simpson is barely holding out, for the lack of business due to direct negotiations that the NWT corporation has executed with the band in Fort Simpson.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Schober has received substantial contracts with the band for mechanical and plumbing work in the 1992-93 building year, as well as this current, 1993-94, building year. The Fort Simpson band says that it is making sure that the best interests of the whole community are being looked after, by ensuring the community businesses are receiving benefits from their own contracts. We have awarded contracts to community businesses even though they are not the lowest bidders, to make sure local businesses have a fair share.
They have done a labour and community breakdown with regard to this year's access projects. For the materials, supplies and sub contracts, just about half of the funds have been spent in the community. Just over half have been spent in the north, and only $216.29 was spent in the south. All of the labour dollars have been spent in the community. The Fort Simpson band membership represents approximately 70 per cent of population of the community.
Historically, opportunities for economic development and equal access to employment for the Dene has been sadly lacking. Not once have outside companies, such as those interviewed, sub-contracted the band for work, when they have been awarded contracts, themselves. The negotiated contracts with the Government of the Northwest Territories have allowed the band to make commitments to training its membership. This year we have 11 trainees registered under the construction worker training program. They have four registered carpenters' apprentices, as well as three tradesmen who are presently in the process of documenting experience and skill upgrading so they may challenge the trades certification exam.
If this contract had gone to a competitive bid, they would not have been able to afford to do all this training. At the completion of their training program, these individuals would be able to access employment...