With regard to focus on strategic directions and focus on small businesses, Mr. Chairman. One of the points made over and over again is the need to focus on small businesses and on entrepreneurs. Committee Members noted that the potential for significant returns flowing from small businesses is great. They related examples where investing small amounts of money created jobs and self-sufficiency for people.

If value for money is assessed, committee Members believe that these small investments would prove to be the most cost-beneficial. In spite of this observation, many programs, the Development Corporation in particular, have tended to fund big projects. Large projects create a relatively large number of jobs in a limited number of communities. While the strategy has been successful in some communities, committee Members believe that more could be gained by making smaller investments in a larger number of communities.

Committee Members feel it is important to investigate the relative advantages and disadvantages to Northwest Territories communities of small versus large-scale investment. Therefore, our committee makes the following recommendation.