In addition, Mr. Speaker, one recommendation from this report which I strongly agree with, and urge this government to implement, is section 1(b) on BIP eligibility. The change would strengthen the ownership requirements for NWT businesses and would reduce the ability for non-NWT businesses to find loopholes in securing contracts.
We also need to change the definition of NWT residence and allow the Government of the Northwest Territories to request supporting documentation to prove NWT residency.
Lastly Mr. Speaker, our government needs to create an Indigenous procurement policy framework which is a commitment the ITI Minister has affirmed in her remarks yesterday. We need to maximize the extent to which Indigenous businesses are contracted with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
People who were born, raised, and who live here full-time need to be prioritized in government procurement. I can go on, Mr. Speaker, but we'll leave it there for now. I will have questions for the Minister of ITI at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.