The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development wants to ensure the maximum usage of northern labour and businesses in contracts issued by the Department of Transportation.

Committee members pointed out that many northern businesses and local labour are more than qualified to do most of the department's work. The standing committee is concerned that a significant portion of the work is completed by southern contractors or labour.

The Minister replied that northern content has improved over the past five years. At the request of the standing committee, he agreed to provide a breakdown of employees hired by department contractors for as far back as the department records would provide.