In the Legislative Assembly on March 16th, 1994. See this topic in context.

Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 630

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, who is responsible for the NWT Development Corporation. Within the last two years, the NWT Development Corporation bought the Patterson Sawmill in Hay River for approximately $1.4 million to $1.7 million. At that time, Members were told the number of board feet that was required to make this sawmill viable would come from the Cameron Hills area. But now trees have been taken from the Deh Cho region. The people in the Liard area are now in a logging pilot project and may want to develop their own business eventually. What impact will the Development Corporation's large investment in the Patterson Sawmill have on any investment assistance requests from Liard businesses for logging operations? Thank you.

Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

March 15th, 1994

Page 630

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 630

John Todd Keewatin Central

The short answer is none. As the honourable Member has indicated, we are currently doing an experimental project in the Liard area. I believe the logs are going to BC because that is the closest place. This is a pilot project. Certainly, if we find -- between ourselves and the Department of Renewable Resources -- significant viable timber, we would take and intend to take a hard look at perhaps putting in a mill in that area, so we would increase the economic activity and perhaps more importantly -- to myself, anyway -- jobs for the people in that area. I would say in simple language, I don't see the Patterson Sawmill having significant impact on the Liard area. We are working very closely with that community. We are optimistic, as we must be in today's world, that if we find the appropriate type of lumber

and sales to match, that we will put some kind of facility in there that will increase job opportunities for the Liard and that area of people.

Return To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 631

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Supplementary To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 631

Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. What is the current financial and operational status of the Patterson Sawmill? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 631

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 631

John Todd Keewatin Central

I know it is operating today, but I don't have the financial position at my fingertips at this time, Madam Speaker. I would certainly be willing to provide that to the honourable Member. It is currently operating right now, the same as the one in Resolution. Again, I don't have the fiscal condition of it, but I could certainly provide that information to the honourable Member. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 304-12(5): Impact Of Nwt Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Question 304-12(5): Impact Of NWT Development Corporation Involvement With Patterson Sawmill
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 631

The Speaker Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.