Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The subject of the business incentive policy has been discussed a number of times during the session, and I have some questions in that regard. The business incentive policy gives contractual preference to companies based in the NWT, and one of the terms of the BIP is that northerners be hired if they are qualified and available. My question will be for the Minister responsible for the BIP.

Recently I was informed of a joint venture company that won a highways contract and subsequently subcontracted the work out to an Alberta firm. The Alberta firm has all of its own equipment and will be bringing in all of its own operators and, therefore, no northerners are to be hired. Now, I have been informed that experienced heavy equipment operators have phoned the company for jobs, but they are told that all the equipment operators will come from the Alberta subcontractor. This particular contract was awarded by the Department of Transportation, but my question will be for the Minister responsible for BIP: After the department has awarded a contract under the BIP provisions, is the BIP monitored to ensure that the hiring policies are followed by the company and its subcontractors?