Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Kakfwi, in his remarks, talked about the BIP and negotiations with BHP. I am sorry, he talked about the BIP. I am getting my BHPs and BIPs mixed up here. Mr. Kakfwi talked about BHP and on the government delivering a strong stand. How many northern businesses are able to now supply services to BHP? I would like to remind the Minister that companies such as Ryfan Electric, Robinson's Trucking, Clark Builders, Braden Burry, JSL, Hay River companies like Kingland, A & R, MSS and WesClean were all providing services without a business incentive policy, prior to this agreement being negotiated with BHP. I bring this up to make the point that northern businesses can compete. There was no reason for BHP to hire local contractors or northern contractors. I think this demonstrates that these companies on projects, large projects, northern businesses are able to compete and compete successfully. So that is what I am trying to get across. These companies can compete. I think it is insulting to northern businesses to say that you still need protection and we need to spend more money than we have to. I believe they can very successfully compete among themselves.
Seamus Henry 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 550
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
See context to find out what was said next.