Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, in the departmental overview under corporate mission, we talked about item 3, provide training. Item number 4 talks about promoting individual independence with increased responsibility and accountability. Under 5, it talks about promoting the establishing and growth of private housing markets in a northern economy. On the next page, under the corporate goals, item 5 is to support local economy.
I also know the Minister works very hard to make sure the outside contractor respects community laws and I would like to commend the Minister for that. The Minister tries to ensure that local contractors are used, subsequent to that they hire local people which helps the local economy very much.
We have not been able to fully utilize the local contractors or the local labour. In that respect, we have seen many problems, perhaps not only in Repulse Bay, Taloyoak or Pelly Bay, but in other communities across the territories, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I am not going to get specific or name contractors, but there are certain contractors who do not respect community law, especially in communities that have restricted alcohol consumption or are strictly dry. Above and beyond that, there are other social issues that came out as the result of hiring outside contractors. This is not always the case, though.
If the department is to hire local contractors, this would ensure that we help the local economy. Most of the small communities in this particular jurisdiction have a high rate of unemployment in the system. Most small communities in the territories have a high rate of social assistance, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I hope in the future years, we are able to make some corrections to the policy of hiring and using local contractors; or, one day soon, we will be fully utilizing local contractors. Subsequently, in the interim, they should hire local people, Mr. Chairman.
When you hire local people, you are not only ensuring that money stays in the community, but the economic well-being of a community is enhanced and subsequently, and when people are earning money, at least they are able to pay for rent. When they are able to pay for their rent, perhaps people who are working for a long time, even seasonal workers, are one day going to be able to own their own home through the access program of this government.
Again, Mr. Chairman, I commend the Minister. I know the Minister is working extremely hard in order to meet the needs in the communities. He knows the problems; he has been approached on them. I know he knows the problems because he talked to us in the advisory committee meetings. I know the Minister is trying very, very hard, but I hope one day we will be able to solve this problem.
I don't know, Mr. Chairman, if we are going to be able to get rid of the problem we have in this system because every time we try to use local contractors as opposed to outside contractors, there are people out there saying, what about fair business practice. I know this is the case. Until we have a fully legislated policy in the system, it is going to be very hard. But, I want the Minister to be aware of the social problems that are derived from some, not all, outside contractors who were awarded work in the communities.
I don't want to be all negative. There are wonderful things that come out of the work of outside contractors. The workmanship is good and they are able to meet deadlines on time. But, when you use local contractors, you ensure that money stays in the community, and you can be sure that people have pride in building their own homes. Mr. Chairman, you can also ensure that a person who is living in social housing also may know from the inside out of that house and, one day, if that person becomes the owner of a house, he or she will be able to maintain their home. It is very crucial and very important that these things are noted. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.