Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the goals of the Sahtu region has to look at the financial stability that will stimulate the Sahtu economy in our region and develop the resources. Mr. Speaker, I had a chance to look at the negotiated contracts that the government produces every year and I looked over them for the last three years. These documents tell a very sad story, Mr. Speaker. We need to do better in my region.
For example, in 2009-2010, I see a $23 million negotiated contract with a local firm in Fort Smith to renovate the health centre. I also saw a $6.8 million negotiated contract for Tuktoyaktuk. In my region, I see a negotiated contract for $900,000. Compared to other regions, Mr. Speaker, we’re talking peanuts here.
It’s even worse in the year before, Mr. Speaker. A negotiated contract was awarded for the Beaufort-Delta for $11 million for transportation work. There are more than five to six million dollars of negotiated contracts for other Aboriginal companies
in Monfwi and Nahendeh ridings. I see no issue with this, Mr. Speaker...(inaudible)...