Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial losses to our small, medium, and large NWT businesses. As our priority has been the health of NWT residents since the outset of the pandemic, businesses have also been provided some support to assist them in weathering the storm that this pandemic has created. However, we have seen some businesses close their doors for good while we know others to be holding their own and some appearing to be prospering. We have seen many jobs disappear, including those from all levels of business. I am looking for this to be a wake-up call to this government.
Mr. Speaker, we all know what it costs to live in the NWT, but it is our choice to live here. Our residents need more than government support. They need employment to meet basic expenses such as housing, utilities, and food. To obtain this employment, our businesses need work, as well. At this point, the only real game for work in the North is government. Therefore, it is important that this government does everything it can do to put government contracts out in a timely manner and that those contracts go to northern businesses.
Mr. Speaker, although it is great to put contracts out, if these contracts are going out to southern firms, then we are not doing our job to protect our businesses. This government needs to strengthen our legislation and policies around procurement to the benefit of our northern businesses, but needs to ensure that northern businesses are the beneficiary of those contracts. It is northern businesses that employ Northerners. Too often, we see southern contractors show up, take the work, take the jobs, and take the cash and leave.
Mr. Speaker, it is Small Business Week in Canada. It is an opportune time to stand up for our northern businesses. Not only do they provide jobs, they are often the go-to people when community fundraising is required. Many business owners refuse to be recognized for those very contributions and supports. I have known business owners who have gone out and paid utility bills for those who were struggling, those who have provided free fuel just so somebody had heat during the winter, those who have taken food to a family in need. The list goes on. When we talk about supporting northern businesses, let us remember all that they do beyond the contracts they receive from this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.