Well thank you, Mr. Chairman. There was a piece of information, a document that had been received when we had discussed this previously last year. When I saw that document I was very pleasantly surprised by the degree of competitiveness of northern companies whereby I think that we need to dispel the myth that the business incentive policy comes into effect on every purchase made by this government. I would like the Minister or his staff to confirm for me that many times when prices and bids are sought, what in fact happens is that in some instances, northern companies are actually less and in other instances, they may only be a small percentage over a southern contractor, in which case the full percentage advantage of the business incentive policy never comes into play. In fact it is much smaller, it is more of an insurance type thing. In fact, if the Members were aware of how many times that it is not actually an added cost, they would be pleasantly surprised. Could the Minister confirm that is indeed the case?
Jane Groenewegen on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 11th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 10th, 1997
Page 545
See context to find out what was said next.