Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk a bit today on manufacturing in the North. Mr. Speaker, typically when we think about manufacturing, we have this picture of equipment and intense, large-scale operations. That is not always the case, and usually is not the case in the Northwest Territories. It is not just the larger centres in the Northwest Territories that have manufacturing in some capacity. Cottage industries like the production of arts and crafts also qualify.

When we look at northern manufacturers, we have to take a realistic look at the impact they have on our economy. These people create employment in the North. They pay taxes in the North. They contribute to our communities. Mr. Speaker, northern manufacturing ensures a lower level of leakage of money out of our economy. More stays here, Mr. Speaker.

This government has a northern manufacturing directive under its Business Incentive Policy, but does it adhere to it? There have been some questions in this House, specifically over a project in Alaska, as to whether the government is doing exactly what it is saying. I think, Mr. Speaker, the government has to adhere to northern manufacturing not only at home, but when it does business abroad as well.

There have been concerns that at times northern manufacturing can mean there is less money to go around, fewer homes can be built in some of the communities. I think we need to take a closer look, Mr. Speaker. There have been many suggestions and indications that northern manufacturers are very competitive and sometimes can provide a lower price than southern companies and their southern competitors.

Mr. Speaker, this fall when the government undertakes to do a review of the Business Incentive Policy, I hope they will keep in mind just how important northern manufacturing is, and ensure the Northern Manufacturing Directive stays with the Business Incentive Policy and is in fact adhered to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause