Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the GNWT is going to move the NWT economy toward recovery, it must commit to a fundamental change in how it relates to and supports northern business. Last August, the 18th Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment tabled a report identifying what is keeping northern businesses out of government procurement through four themes and two recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, the report first identified a need for consistency, clarity, and transparency in the procurement process. Northern businesses need to understand what the government wants and know where to access that information. The second theme identifies the need to attract northern businesses more effectively. Committee found that multiple local businesses felt disadvantaged competing for government contracts because the invitations to tender reflected a limited understanding of the unique situation of northern businesses and that there is a disconnect between the intent of the policy and reality on the ground. The committee suggested that the GNWT include northern hire requirements and contracts, ensure businesses know about opportunities under $25,000, divide large projects into smaller ones, and adopt solutions to increase competitiveness of northern businesses, for example, requiring southern firms to have joint venture agreements with northern businesses.
The third theme is related to communications. The GNWT needs to better understand NWT business capacities. I have spoken with northern businesses passed over for work after being told they did not have the capacity to execute the contract, only to be hired in turn by the southern business chosen by the GNWT. The GNWT needs a fundamental change in its dealings with northern businesses. Government must stop acting as the gatekeeper and start being the facilitator of our future. The fourth theme is support-related. We need to ensure the government is supporting the growth and success of northern business through mechanisms that support prompt payment and continued professional development for those who work within GNWT procurement, to make sure they fully understand procurement policies, how to apply them, and the importance of working to solve the northern procurement debate.
Mr. Speaker, the report recommended that the GNWT establish a procurement advisory panel and a comprehensive review of all procurement policies, with a view to modernizing the procurement process to the benefit of all northern businesses. I look forward to hearing from the Minister of Infrastructure on how we can improve the GNWT's procurement process and support our local businesses as we work together to rebuild the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.