Mr. Chairman, in keeping with the goal of assisting in our economy’s recovery, the department is addressing some areas of forced growth funding this fiscal year. That funding would include $140,000 in support of the Northwest Territories Community Futures funding program, a very successful government program where community-based corporations assist small businesses and entrepreneurs through services that range from providing lines of credit to business planning.

We are also proposing to invest $120,000 in funding for a full-time regional land and resource analyst is the Deh Cho region. This position will help deal with the demands for increased land development initiatives in the Deh Cho region.

The department is also proposing $100,000 in funding for marine safety training. These training courses are provided to licensed tourism operators and guides who use motorized boats as part of their business. The training provides certification that allows these operators to meet new federal standards required to run their businesses.