Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to get on the record that, as I said in committee, I respect the concerns that Mr. Bromley has been raising regarding the display case or a space for artisans to sell their works and wares, but the intent is there and I want to stress that. But the reality here is I disagree under the principle of we can’t be giving free space away. There is a rental market in the downtown that would be of significant concern if we were giving space away to some groups and not the next, and the next NGO will be phoning me or another MLA, asking if they could have free space. We get into quite a complicated process here where how do we meet everyone’s needs. The sad thing is sometimes it is a lot easier to just say no up front, rather than try to figure out how to come up with a policy on that.
Just to carry it a little further, it wouldn’t be more than 150 or 250 feet away that we have a business called Northern Images. I can assure you they would be quite upset if the GNWT was giving away space to artisans to sell their wares. We have businesses that are struggling to stay ahead of the game in the sense of selling stuff, making sure that they cover their own rent, and the costs, and pay their tax and city taxes and whatnot. It would seem horribly insulting to them, those who have made those types of commitments to be in business in the downtown and we turn around and give space away.
Now, that said, I said without spending a whole lot of time or thought or energy into the problem, I can appreciate that if we want to figure out how to display some artisans’ work within the territorial buildings, I have no particular issue with that. If anything, it may be a good idea to use an opportunity to showcase some work being done. But how can that be done in a way that is constructive but not biting into the market of people trying to sell it? I’m not sure we are here to discuss that or decide those types of issues today, but I would certainly be in support if there was a display case that showed work.
But back to the point of if you start selling work in government buildings, then there is a responsibility brought in there and a significant concern. The spirit and intent is a good one. I will again underscore that. We have to keep in mind that the private sector itself doesn’t like this building to begin with and that is a whole other issue. Now there is an intent to give free space away, which will cause concern. I don’t have to go far to the constituency to find people who would have great objections.
Just to tie it all together, as I have said before, and even at the arts forum I had mentioned to the artisans there – and it may not have been the most popular suggestion but I would like to think that it was one of the most honest ones – the fact that the
artisans have to take a stake into the solution and getting free space is not feasible here in Yellowknife. It is a challenge. Once we start giving it away to some groups, we have to start giving it away to more. It’s a real challenge. They have to take an economic stake into the solution of this problem.
I coined it towards one of the four legs or pillars to any problem. The territorial government needs to be part of the solution. The City of Yellowknife needs to be part of the solution if it’s done here. The federal government, through Heritage Canada, needs to be part of the solution, but by no means or any less the artisans need to be part of the solution.
I know we’re here to discuss the capital plan, and in stressing that, I don’t think the GNWT making free space available in this particular building helps them. It actually enables them to demand more free space and I think it’s a mistake. I think it’s important to put that on the record here.
Lastly, I should say it this way, the artisans need an introduction to space that’s available. I’d be more than happy to take them down to the malls – they have a lot of empty space – and talk to them there. I’ve put that out there for consideration as well.
A little direct question is Public Works, but other than the fact that I needed to put it officially on record that I oppose that in this forum. So if it comes back in another forum, maybe we’ll discuss it under a policy under Public Works. Thank you.