Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The majority of businesses that operate in the North are mostly small businesses, and they are exactly that, small businesses. Most of the contracts for these small businesses would be government contracts and primarily with the NWT Housing Corporation or the Department of Infrastructure.

Small businesses operate in regional and isolated communities face hardships and costs associated with doing businesses. In the NWT, labour costs are generally higher than our southern counterparts. Although unemployment exists, these businesses experience labour shortages due to social policies that force local residents to turn down work. Businesses must then import workers which result in higher project costs. Small businesses also rely on barging and winter roads and air transport for delivery and material and equipment. This can make or break a small business if there are delays and payment is not timely.

Mr. Speaker, within the GNWT and no matter which department, our northern businesses expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Every so often, we will find a department or a government employee who, for one reason or another, strays from this practice of fairness. To give an example of where fairness is paramount would be the placement of a contractor on a suspension list which may or may not be for legitimate reasons or, for that matter, be based on factual information.

I know the use of suspension lists are a practice of both the NWT Housing Corporation and the Department of Infrastructure. Being placed on a suspension list with the GNWT could result in a business being forced to close down. It may result in layoffs of local employees. It may result in families going without financial resources to put food on the table or pay basic living costs.

Mr. Speaker, as it is this government's practice to place northern business on suspension lists, as such, I would expect that this government has policies in place that establish a fair and objective process with reasonable criteria in place. A decision such as this must incorporate factual information and/or circumstances from the person who is qualified to provide such information. The circumstances surrounding the suspension must be clear and unambiguous, and the business must be provided due process in a timely manner.

A northern business being placed on a government suspension list can immediately bankrupt the small business, the very reason we need fairness and opportunity for due process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.