Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is regarding economic opportunities for First Nations people, especially people who have land claim settlements. Mr. Speaker, the Gwich'in negotiated their claim some eight years ago, yet sections of that agreement are not implemented. That is the responsibility of this government.
Mr. Speaker, I am speaking of chapter 10 of the Gwich'in Agreement, which is the economic chapter. It clearly identifies that the government carries out public activities in the settlement area, and gives rise to employment and economic opportunities when the government elects to enter into contracts with respect to those activities.
It continues to stipulate that the Government of the Northwest Territories procurement and negotiating policies and processes are to maximize local, regional and northern employment and business opportunities.
Yet, I was alarmed to hear of a contract that went out to the Inuvik Regional Health Board regarding security reception services. Chii Construction, which is a company with the band in Inuvik, which is a Gwich'in organization, had the contract for the previous three years. They did, in my eyes, a good job and they had the experience. Yet they were not successful in their bid, considering they were the lowest bidder and they had the work experience.
On top of that, Mr. Speaker, they were not told there was a process to appeal. After making an attempt to appeal their case, they were told there were no policies in place with the Inuvik Regional Health Board to appeal the contract.
I find that alarming. These are public funds put forth by this Legislature to carry out activities for this government. Yet we talk about partnerships with aboriginal First Nations and improving the lives of these people, but it seems that whenever they take the step and strive to improve their economic opportunities and enhance the lives of the people they represent, they are losing out. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.