Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very concerned about the current state of the business community in Fort Simpson, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of businesses in distress. The unemployment rate is approximately 36 per cent and it will be higher if these business fail. Unfortunately, the problem is larger than just failed businesses. It affects the morale and the self-confidence of the entire community. It tends to destroy relationships among community members.
I believe a large part of the problem stems from the policy and practices of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. In dealing with business ventures in the communities, once an initial investment has been made, there is inadequate follow through. The goal of the department in this area is to stimulate economic development through investment in business enterprises. Providing investment and capital alone is not enough. The supply of capital funds needs to be accompanied by the provision of business management support services. In fact, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism identified, in the 1993-94 Main Estimates, the departmental goal to provide more effective business management assistance to new and existing businesses. I will be watching to see if this goal is reached in my communities.
Many entrepreneurs in the communities require support, not only in starting their businesses, but in building them. Often they have highly developed skills in the technical parts of their business, but require assistance in developing business management skills.
The government needs to go beyond investing money, Mr. Speaker. If the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is going to be truly successful in moving communities towards self-sufficiency, it must follow through with its capital investments. The benefits would be many, the communities would be healthier and the return on government investment would be greater. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.