Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister who is responsible for the buy north policy. With regard to the community of Fort Liard, this policy is not very flexible and not very reasonable. It doesn't use common sense when you live in Fort Liard, because 20 miles away is the BC border and with a two-hour drive by highway, you're in the community of Fort Nelson where the prices are a lot cheaper. That's where the community of Fort Liard has been buying all their goods in the past. Since this buy north policy came into effect, they have been in a dilemma about where they're going to get their goods. It's causing a lot of problems for them. It was brought to my attention and I would like to ask the Minister if this policy could be flexible enough to allow the community of Fort Liard to continue to buy their goods and supplies in Fort Nelson. Thank you.
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
In the Legislative Assembly on February 11th, 1994. See this topic in context.
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker
Thank you. Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.
Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 97
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Madam Speaker. People can buy their goods or food wherever they want, but if they're spending GNWT money on projects or business, then our policy will apply. There will be a percentage applied to their tenders. Thank you.
Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 97
The Speaker
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.
Supplementary To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 97
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Specifically, the problem is that government-funded operations like the school and the different government departments were buying supplies from Fort Nelson in the past. However, with this new buy north policy, it's costing them extra money to buy things from other places. The next
biggest centre is Fort Simpson, which is about a four-hour drive. In comparison, you have a four-hour drive and more expensive material, and a two-hour drive where you can buy things a lot cheaper. One of the purposes of the government is to try to save money and you balance that by trying to buy in the north. It doesn't make sense for citizens in Fort Liard. That is the problem we have. Is the Minister willing to look at this situation and see if we can be flexible and reasonable in some of the policies that we have been passing? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker
Thank you. Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Madam Speaker. The business incentive policy was put in place to encourage businesses to do business in the north. It has created a lot of jobs in the Northwest Territories. If there is a funding problem with the school boards, that should be taken up with the Minister of Education. As far as I understand it, they are funded adequately, in order for them to buy in the Northwest Territories. School boards, health boards, nursing stations or DPW, buy in the north. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker
Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.
Supplementary To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister if he is willing to look at the unique situation in Fort Liard and see if there is a possibility of being flexible with this policy. Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
February 10th, 1994
Page 98
The Speaker
Thank you. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin.
Further Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'll be happy to look at this unique situation to try to see if we can help them out to make it easier for them to buy in the north. Thank you.
Further Return To Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Question 62-12(5): Business Incentive Policy
Item 5: Oral Questions
Page 98
The Speaker
Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.