Mr. Chairman, right now, much of the fire suppression is provided by the band-owned companies. That also includes Fort Providence and the Hay River Reserve. They have a negotiated five-year contract with regard to this particular initiative. Also, I believe Fort Simpson had it at one time, but it is out for contract, as it would reflect this motion itself. When you have a large contract for fire suppression, this opens the door to not only the local people, it provides for anyone who has a northern business to tap in and receive contracts. This takes business away from the local people. That is the only intent of this motion. I disagree with it strongly. I think the opportunity should be there for members of the community to negotiate with the government to supply fire suppression. I cannot support something such as this, that gives opportunity for people even in Yellowknife to bid on contracts to provide that service in Fort Providence. I disagree with that. I am not going to support this motion.
Samuel Gargan on Committee Motion 75-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 21
In the Legislative Assembly on March 1st, 1993. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 75-12(3): To Adopt Recommendation 21
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 28th, 1993
Page 680
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
See context to find out what was said next.