Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to briefly make reference to the Budget Address. I note that this document is not complete, as there is no postal code on the address. I will make reference to that later in the week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to demonstrate the need for balance, the need to criticize the government when it is warranted. With that right, there also comes the obligation to praise and recognize the government when they take tough stands and do what is right.

One bouquet of roses should be delivered to the present government for a good sound decision. I refer to the decision made by the Department of Public Works and Services, in which they awarded the fuel resupply contract of the Western Arctic to Imperial Oil's refinery in Alberta. This was a good sound decision made on sound financial principles.

I can understand and sympathize with the employees of the Norman Wells refinery that could potentially lose their jobs as a result of the awarding of this contract. It is also my understanding that the Norman Wells refinery is inefficient and slated for shutdown. If you 'can't compete, you have to

shut down. The reality of life is if you can't supply a product at a price your customers can afford, you are going to go out of business.

I have to praise the government for making the decision on a financial basis in conjunction with the welfare of employees who may have to find other work. I would encourage this government to continue along the same lines of procuring goods and services.

Along those lines, I would refer to comments made in this House yesterday where it was stated that of a random selection of 87 purchases made by the GNWT between April 1993 and February 1994, 50 per cent of them were less expensive in the Northwest Territories than their southern competitor. This says to me that we have, after 20 years of government financial support through the business incentive policy, a mature, competitive and private sector where the business incentive policy, at least as it now stands, is unnecessary. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement.