Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to advocate for an important economic development need in the Dehcho: The establishment of a dedicated regional industry, tourism and investment position within the community of Fort Providence.
Fort Providence is home to talented and innovative people who are eager to pursue new business opportunities and contribute to the local economy; however, our residents face a significant barrier: Access to timely and consistent small business support.
Mr. Speaker, currently anyone seeking assistance from ITI must travel to Hay River, a two-hour drive each way, simply to speak with someone about their ideas, applications, or next steps. For any residents, this distance, combined with the cost of fuel, time away from work or family, makes it extremely difficult to access the very programs intended to help them succeed.
Mr. Speaker, community-based support is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Small and emerging businesses in Fort Providence deserve the same opportunity to grow and thrive as businesses in larger regional centres can and do. A permanent or even part-time position based in Fort Providence or, at a minimum, consistent scheduled monthly visits from regional ITI staff would make a meaningful difference. It will allow entrepreneurs to receive hands-on guidance, understand valuable funding, available funding, navigate applications, and develop their ideas with confidence. By placing supports where the people are, we strengthen local capacity, diversify our economy, and encourage community-driven growth. A regional ITI presence would not only support small business development but also help advance tourism, traditional economy initiatives, and cultural entrepreneurship sectors filled with potential in Fort Providence.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the department to recognize this gap and work with the community to establish consistent local ITI support. Our residents have the ideas and motivations; they simply need access to the tools that will help them bring these ideas to life. I will have questions for the Minister of ITI later. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.