Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I received a press release yesterday from the NWT Construction Association. The release regards the impact of the cuts to the capital budget, and I want to share some of the Association's concerns with the House. Our fiscal plans call for a reduction of $15 million to the capital spending this year. According to the Construction Association, that represents a 35 to 40 percent drop over previous years. The association further says, a cut of this magnitude will translate into the loss of 900 direct jobs. Mr. Speaker, our fiscal policies are very tough on the construction industry. Individual companies have to become razor sharp competitors if they are to survive. Even with the prospect of contracts from the construction of diamond, I am not convinced that every construction company will make it through this period of transition.

There is not much we can do to provide added support in the coming years, but there are things we can do to make sure that construction businesses are treated properly. In recent days, I have been asking questions and making statements on the government's process for awarding contracts. I have questioned the fairness of the system and the willingness of officials to help companies develop the best bids possible. Mr. Speaker, our policies and procedures on the contract system needs to be looked at. Especially the contract management proposal system which, according to some of my constituents, is less than fair, open, and clear. It is absolutely essential that we clean up these problems today. We can not help the construction industry by restoring old levels of capital spending, but we can make sure our contract processes give every company a fair shot at competing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.