Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, in respect to the tendering policies that the Housing Corporation uses. I am not enquiring about the policies themselves, but the lack of adherence to the policies, Mr. Speaker. The policies clearly state that the use of local contractors to carry out some of the housing repairs or renovations or replacements, is always given first consideration when approval has been determined by
the Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, the Minister also indicated that he is aware that a lot of these approved repairs, or renovations and such, are not actually done right away, because of the inability to get qualified tradespeople into these remote communities on a timely basis. It is always difficult, and people don't usually see the work being completed for several months, or years, or if at all, Mr. Speaker. I want to ask the Minister if local contractors are still a priority, and why am I still receiving calls from local contractors in my communities, saying that they have been overlooked in a tendering process for a lot of the housing projects that are in limbo, that we have to wait for outside contractors to come in and do the work? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.