No, Mr. Chairman, I really don't want to start a debate, because, as I said in the House the other day, I was on Cabinet when some major moves were made to start this very important fishery in Pangnirtung, and I am proud of that. I think the only question, Mr. Chairman, and it is a philosophical question, is the extent of the subsidy and whether, if we are over-generous, we may be threatening the long-term financial viability of our fishery. The only issue, in my mind, is whether the Development Corporation is being overly generous with its funds and whether it spends its money in ways that promote northern preference and northern business and whether it uses its financial muscle in predatory practices against private operators who don't have the benefit of strong financial support. I didn't say I was against subsidies. I said that the issue, I think, is the extent of the subsidy and the extent of the capitalization. I was warned by an experienced Maritime Minister that one of the fatal mistakes made in the Newfoundland fishery was over-capitalization. I am not saying that's happened in Pangnirtung, but I think that we should dare to ask the question and not be seen as the enemies of local employment if we ask such questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Dennis Patterson on Committee Motion 32-12(5): To Implement A Strategy To Terminate Piruqsaijit Secondment By End Of 1994-95 Fiscal Year, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on March 22nd, 1994. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 32-12(5): To Implement A Strategy To Terminate Piruqsaijit Secondment By End Of 1994-95 Fiscal Year, Carried
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 21st, 1994
Page 779
Dennis Patterson Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.