Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak about restrictions and a post-pandemic economic strategy for the Northwest Territories.
More than ever, we need a working plan beyond the budget address.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is now safe to say that many, not all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, are tired of living within those restrictions currently in place. They want to know what is being done to move past them. We currently have existing orders in place but orders without effective monitoring and enforcement are only recommendations at best. This is where I see us at this point.
Business owners and their staff are tired of trying to monitor and enforce restrictions this government put in place. Business owners and their workers, who have no training around monitoring or enforcement, are being harassed and threatened by customers. It is having an impact on their mental wellbeing, which is transferred to their home life.
Mr. Speaker, as we transition out of this pandemic, it is imperative that this government increase its focus on the economy. Access to goods, supplies and labour is limited, all which impact the cost of living and doing business in the NWT. Our communities, residents, and businesses know what is needed. We must listen to them and follow up on the promises we make.
Mr. Speaker, needs throughout the NWT vary, so our focus on the economy must be multi-faceted and consider the artisan in the community that cannot sell goods as there are no tourists; the small motel owner in a community without customers; contractors struggling to find work and the security needed to take it on; the resource sector which contributes to our GDP. Jobs, training and businesses was in decline prior to the pandemic and we must find ways to turn that around.
Mr. Speaker, we need to focus on what we can control, and that is physical and social infrastructure. As well, our current legislation and policies limit not only small businesses but severely impact those larger projects that go through rigorous regulatory review.
Mr. Speaker, as current COVID business supports come to an end and the Government of Canada turns off the tap, it is important that this government revisit the Emerging Stronger document and revise as necessary. We have heard little of it since it was first made public. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, if we expect to strengthen our economy, we must first start with ending the public health emergency and restrictions which have been a barrier to some sectors over the last two years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time.