Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address the issue of business programs from ED&T and the fact that some are not available in level I communities. Mr. Speaker, programs such as the business development fund and the small business grant program are not available to communities defined by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism as being level I; those being, I understand, Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Smith and Yellowknife.
According to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the main task of the business development fund contribution program and the small business grant program is to help meet the needs of individual entrepreneurs and small businesses for funding. They do this by providing grants and contributions. These contributions, which do not have to be repaid, are aimed at encouraging the growth of business and the building of a stronger economy in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, in my view, the current policy ignores one of the main factors which contribute to the success of a new business; that being, the availability of a larger market. In other words, there are a lot of consumers in level I communities. In fact, Mr. Speaker, every one of the level I communities has a population of more than 2,000, yet these population figures aren't given any consideration for their significance as an important requirement for a successful business.
Moreover, Mr. Speaker, the current policy ignores the ramifications that a successful business would have in a level I community. Not only would it employ people, the business would pay taxes and its employees would pay taxes which would mean this government, in turn, would have more money to spend on programs. Also, there would be more opportunity to recover loans if the business succeeds. Perhaps these programs should be restructured so grants are turned into loans if, say after three years, a company is successful. This would allow the original money to be recycled and used elsewhere.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, the current policy not only ignores aboriginal people in level I communities, it discriminates against them. There are currently over 3,300 aboriginal people in the labour force of the four level I communities, practically one-third of the total aboriginal labour force of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.