Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a very good question. I am aware of the work annually that the Canadian Federation of Independent Business does where they survey northern businesses to ask them about some of the impediments of doing business in the North. Typically, they identify things like labour costs, energy costs, regulatory burden, tax burden. But a specific study that we've conducted, I am not exactly sure. I will talk to our regional staff. It is possible that we could go out and solicit some input. Using the chambers would probably be effective, talk to northern business about their business challenge and biggest hurdles. I tend to agree with the Member; the answer isn't direct subsidization which does really nothing, except for some short-term relief. I think it's to look to some longer-term structural answers and I am thinking around energy and some of the discussions we've had about gasification of communities, getting communities on natural gas or other issues, hydro, things like that, Mr. Speaker. I think it's a good point and it's certainly something I could have my regions look at. Thank you.
Brendan Bell on Question 373-15(4): Reducing Costs On Goods And Services
In the Legislative Assembly on February 9th, 2006. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 373-15(4): Reducing Costs On Goods And Services
Question 373-15(4): Reducing Costs On Goods And Services
Item 7: Oral Questions
February 8th, 2006
Page 898
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