Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to rise today to speak briefly about the value of supporting northern business. I think that in all our discussion about the BIP last week this is something that seemed to get lost. I think that in past statements in the House by myself and other Members we have talked quite a lot about the value of supporting our northern businesses, so much so that I think it seems very obvious to us, and maybe some of these points have almost become cliché, Mr. Speaker, but I think that many of them bear repeating.

Obviously, we know that northern businesses hire Northerners, Mr. Speaker, and that the money spent by these northern businesses enters the circular flow of income in the North. Conversely, money spent on southern contractors and in southern businesses constitutes a withdrawal from that same circular flow of income. Mr. Speaker, northern businesses continue to make money and in-kind donations in our communities. It seems every time we turn around, whether it is golf tournaments, Super Soccer or sponsoring the arts, it is the small northern businesses that are contributing.

Past governments, Mr. Speaker, have recognized this value and have looked to support our northern businesses. The BIP is a perfect example. Yes, it has its flaws, and we understand it is being reworked and we look forward to a new and improved version. I think it would be a serious mistake to throw the baby out with the bath water, as it were, Mr. Speaker, and abandon it now.

Even this government has been quick to point out that we want to be in the capacity-building business in our communities. I guess that is why I find the setting aside of the BIP policy on a singular project to be what I see as short-sighted and a knee-jerk reaction based on little more than speculation. Today in question period, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause