The Standing Committee on Social Programs is disappointed that the NWTHC has neglected the business development side of its mandate. The Minister stated in a response to a question from a member of the committee that there is so much demand domestically, we have not been able to go into Alaska this year to market our own products.
Members are aware of one NWT entrepreneur specializing in the manufacture of panelized building products who could have benefited immensely from the NWTHC aggressively marketing his products in Alaska. This is evident from a recent article in the Edmonton Journal expounding the success of an Edmonton manufacturer of panelized building products in selling to the Alaskan market. Those persons in Alaska who decide to build with the panelized products are even eligible for lower mortgage rates from the Alaska Housing Corporation because of the panelized products' superior insulation qualities and attendant savings.
Committee members could determine no reason why the NWT manufacturer could not be marketed by the NWTHC. Given the developing barge shipping system via the Mackenzie River and the north slope of Alaska, the NWT manufacturer may be competitive with the Edmonton supplier.