Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Premier and is in regard to the memorandum of understanding in regard to the contracts in the Gwich’in settlement region which was signed between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and then-Premier Kakfwi and the president Fred Carmichael, in January 2003. The term of the contract is until March 31 of this fiscal year.
I’d like to ask the Premier, the objective of the memorandum of understanding is basically to establish a process towards improving the participation of Gwich’in businesses and GNWT contracts within the Gwich’in settlement area. Mr. Speaker, there have been a lot of changes taking place in regard to the contracting process even here in this House. Going into a fall budget cycle for capital and with that it also has an effect on the agreement. Yet, Mr. Speaker, there are still people out there, especially in the public service, who do not seem to understand there is this agreement in place. Yet, Mr. Speaker, a lot of contractors are being undermined by way of allowing them the opportunity to participate in these government contracts, as we can see by the situation we have in Inuvik.
I’d like to ask the Premier, exactly how stringent does the government take the Gwich’in MOU when it comes to contracts in Gwich’in settlement areas in regard to what is being told to the departments when it comes to this agreement?