Mr. Speaker, Small Business Week is from October 14th to 20th .

Small Business week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements that Northwest Territories entrepreneurs make to all our communities. I would like all of us to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our small business owners and operators. They keep our economy strong, employ residents and supply us with necessary goods and services.

When I talk to entrepreneurs throughout the territory, I am impressed with their determination, resilience and hard work. Our economy is constantly changing and our small business owners evolve right along with it to keep on top of this ever changing business climate.

The world's economy has taken a hit over the past couple of years and is still recovering; the Northwest Territories was also not immune to the impact of the global economic crisis. However – and in true testament to our Northern resilience – it is during difficult times that small businesses get creative.

Time and time again, NWT small business owners leverage this creativity into successful ventures.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is dedicated to reducing administrative “red tape” for small businesses. The GNWT Program Review Office works with departmental staff to ensure efficiency, determine program effectiveness and report on achieved results. In addition, several initiatives are also in place. These include BizPal, a one-stop on-line resource to learn about all permits and licences required to operate a business in the NWT, our manufacturing policy which simplifies and reduces red tape for manufacturers selling their products to the GNWT, and our regional offices which are available to provide assistance and support to all NWT businesses.

We will continue to provide support for entrepreneurs so they can continue to operate successful businesses, strengthen and diversify our economy, and keep our communities strong.

To show support for our small business owners and entrepreneurs, I encourage people to buy local to show support for our northern businesses and ensure money stays in the territory, this week and every week of the year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.