Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to speak about our small northern businesses that are investing in our people and in our communities. Resource development in the NWT has impacted our overall economy in the past several years. This impact has caused our government and the federal government to focus on training for jobs resulting from this development. It is important that in addition to training, we also have programs in place to support and encourage small business to grow and prosper by taking advantage of development opportunities in the North. There has been very little discussion on the role this government and the federal government will play to ensure that business opportunities are captured by our northern residents and existing businesses. In the past, we've seen a trend where southern firms negotiate one-sided joint ventures with associations or with our northern partners.

In many instances, these ventures provide minimal, if any, real return to our northern partners. Our Aboriginal northern entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to negotiate agreements due to limited human and financial human resources. As an example, Mr. Speaker, one such resource is gaining access to capital. It is no secret that the chartered banks are reluctant and most unwilling to work with small businesses in the North and more so if that business operates outside the larger centres such as Yellowknife.

If it weren't for lending agencies such as the NWTD, Business Credit Corporation, Community Futures, and the Metis-Dene development fund, businesses in the small communities would not exist today. These businesses not only provide employment but also provide important services. Mr. Speaker, this government must put some emphasis and focus on the development of our Northern business community. This assistance can be delivered by developing and offering programs that are identified by our business communities. This may mean developing new and innovative lending programs and they result in having the use of this government's position to ensure access to business opportunities through revising existing legislation. However it has to be developed with consultation and cooperation of the business community. At the end of the day we must try to continue to provide employment for Northerners. Therefore, as a body elected by northern people, it is this government's responsibility to provide the resources and support required to increase and maximize northern businesses and northern business opportunities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.