Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Krutko on July 5, 2000 regarding the support for northern manufacturers in inter-jurisdictional ventures.
- The current project to construct a seniors multiplex in Stebbins, Alaska is a pilot project combining training and construction. The training was subcontracted to Aurora College and the construction was subcontracted to Dowland Construction Limited. Dowland Construction is a Northern firm and a licensed Alaskan contractor.
- The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's main purpose of securing additional projects outside of our normal programs is to provide opportunities for Northern suppliers and manufacturers to expand their markets. The Housing Corporation always uses a competitive bid process and only seeks bids from Northern suppliers and manufacturers. The tender and contracting regulations are always followed. The Interim Manufacturing Directive is also applied.
- A list of projects will be tabled later, however, the information you have requested regarding individual businesses cannot be unilaterally released as requested. The provisions of the Access to information and Protection of Privacy Act apply.
- The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has provided the following answer to your questions regarding the Business Incentive Policy and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The application of the Business Incentive Policy by the Government of the Northwest Territories and its agencies does not infringe on any obligation under the North America Free Trade Agreement.
The Business Incentive Policy is a government procurement policy and is therefore governed by Chapter 10 of the North America Free Trade Agreement, Government Procurement. Under Article 1001: Scope and Coverage, it states that this Chapter applies to measures adopted or maintained by a Party relating to procurement: (iii) for state and provincial government entities, the applicable threshold, as set out in Annex 1001.1a-3 in accordance with Article 1024 (Further Negotiations).
Annex 1000.1a-3 State and Provincial Government Entities states: coverage under this Annex will be the subject of consultations with state and provincial governments in accordance with Article 1024.
These negotiations have not been completed and therefore the North America Free Trade Agreement does not apply to procurement by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The purchase of construction and building materials by federal governments is also not covered by the North America Free Trade Agreement.
Annex 1001.1b-1 Goods, Sections A -- List of Certain Goods and B -- General Provisions, clearly exempts these types of products.