Mr. Speaker, as I understand the BIP policy, and this is really within the Department of RWED, but a business that is located in a community that is in the area but not adjacent to the project, or the project is not within their boundaries, would not necessarily be considered for local preference.

Hay River could be ten kilometres away from a project, but if the project is not adjacent to it or in the boundaries, then the businesses in that community would not be eligible. How close they are really does not have a bearing under the current BIP policy. Thank you.