Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I am happy to see the haze in the House has cleared from yesterday. Okay, bad joke number five.
Mr. Speaker, the Yellowknife Chamber's Small Business Week Conference was held earlier this week, and tomorrow night the business community will be honoured at the Chamber's Business Awards Gala. These events reflect on the importance of entrepreneurs and creators. These are people in our communities who take the leap of faith that their idea, new concept, or original breakthrough will pay off and create something of value, and no business idea ever succeeds without the basic component of hard work.
In the 18th Assembly, we have adopted a mandate goal of growing and diversifying the economy, and small business should be a huge part of that goal. My own riding is home to many small businesses that create a busy, thriving atmosphere. From artisans to airlines to restaurants to tour operators, Yellowknife North is a busy hub of activity throughout the year.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank and congratulate the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, which works hard in support of the business community. This week's conference is only one of many activities the Chamber promotes. It sponsors the annual trade show, which brings together businesses from the whole territory to promote products and services from northern entrepreneurs. It sponsors networking and sharing opportunities to facilitate the growth of ideas and build connections. It supports apprenticeships and learning opportunities to facilitate learning and growth for young people entering the workforce.
As a government with a mandate to support economic growth and diversification, we must make sure our funding programs and policies ease the way for businesses to grow and prosper. We must ensure that our regulations don't overcomplicate and delay the processes for licensing, permitting, and building at a time that is crucial for the growth of a start-up. We must commit and recommit to supporting this vital economic sector.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, this year's Business Awards received a record 143 nominations. I would like to congratulate all the award nominees for their dedication and hard work, and I would like to thank the Chamber once again for their ongoing support of the business community in Yellowknife and the entire NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.