Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the problems surrounding procurement have been raised numerous times by numerous Members of this House, yet, despite what we say, the Minister of Infrastructure insists that the GNWT has a top-notch procurement policy.

We have relayed our constituents' complaints about the policy to him on multiple occasions, but he continually insists that, aside from one or two people, no one has issues with it. The implication is that we're "fake news," Mr. Speaker, but we're not making this up. I've had half a dozen business owners and representatives in my office in Hay River discuss their concerns about procurement with me. I sat in on the manufacturing strategy consultation in Hay River, and heard the concerns about procurement. I've met with multiple business owners in Yellowknife and further concerns about procurement. I've met with representatives in the Beaufort Delta and heard their concerns. I hear the concerns coming out of the Deh Cho.

Mr. Speaker, I can't understand how the Minister doesn't hear the chorus of people from across the NWT who have serious concerns about the GNWT procurement practices. There's a growing number of small businesses that are so fed up that they refuse to do business with the GNWT anymore; and it's not just because of the red tape, the ridiculous paperwork, or the senseless policies. It's also the arrogance and the lack of respect shown to private businesses and entrepreneurs. It's no surprise that the GNWT has once again earned an "F" on the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses' Annual Report Card.

Procurement is one of the most powerful tools the GNWT has to build capacity, grow Northern businesses, and most importantly, put people to work. That doesn't seem to matter. The department would rather save a few bucks on an infrastructure project by contracting a southern company over a northern one, despite the fact that the benefit to the North in terms of skill development, job creation, and local purchasing would far outstrip any price difference.

The department would rather import manufactured goods from the South than support a northern business by tweaking a departmental policy handed down on high because it would require political will and a little bit of energy.

The department would rather put on its "how to do business with the GNWT" workshops than ask businesses how it can be better at doing business with them. The GNWT's failure to use its purchasing power as a tool to support small businesses and diversify the economy runs contrary to the mandate of this Assembly and is a black mark on this government. The fact that the Minister denies there is even a problem raises serious questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.