Bob McLeod

We do have a seamless operation when it comes to the issuing of loans and contributions. The difference, it all depends on the business itself. If we do have an interest in there, then we can go in there and do a post-mortem. If it’s somebody in the private sector, then we would probably have to respond to their request in order to be able to gain access to information which is generally private information.

To me it’s a function of making sure that the protocol agreements that are in place work properly. It’s also a function of education and it’s a function of developing a working arrangement that is client centred and client focused. We’re here to provide the best service we can to our clientele and I think with the community transfer delivery agents, for example, we had to provide additional funding so that the different communities that had these positions were properly funded. We made sure they’re involved and trained and well aware of all of the programs that are available through our tool...

For Lutselk’e we’re looking at a start date of 2012-2013. Whati is much more difficult to pinpoint. We also have the Taltson Hydro Project that is undergoing regulatory review and our Hydro Strategy, which we have significant expenditures planned there. If the Member is interested I’ll ask Mr. Vician, through you, Mr. Chair, to go into more detail.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the failure rate of small businesses is quite high not only in the Northwest Territories but all across Canada, especially in the first year of operation. So we have a process called Aftercare, where we look at the way we provide services and wherever we’re involved in a business and it goes under, then we want to know what some of the reasons were for the business going under and to try to find out exactly why. So if we do have a similar business in the future, we would have a very good idea of some of the pitfalls that they could come up against.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The BDIC is a separate board and other than a funding contribution to BDIC, that’s the extent of ITI involvement. BDIC tables their corporate plan with the Assembly on an annual basis and I give some general direction to the BDIC and appoint the board members.

We’re always interested in looking at ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When and if the pipeline goes ahead and when we get the more detailed design, we would certainly be interested in looking at it. Thank you.

Customer service is a very important priority for our government, so in all cases we’re working very hard to fulfill the needs of the clients. I will take the information and we’ll make sure that somebody responds very quickly to the clients.

As I mentioned earlier today, I think when we first became aware of the growth of morel mushrooms, I think it was 10 or 12 years ago. At that time the department put on a couple courses. I think most of the fires were in the Sahtu region at the time and they put on a few courses to introduce some of the local people to opportunities associated with harvesting of morel mushrooms. I think we even, if I recall correctly, helped with showing them some of the techniques.

I think more recently we’ve more or less left it to whoever had the initiative to do it. I know that it’s a little bit different...

No, I have not had the opportunity to convey this information to anyone as of yet, but, certainly, I think it would be a good idea. I know these tents; people can live in the middle of winter under these tents, so it would certainly be helpful in Haiti. But this is something that we can get a hold of the responsible parties to try to make it happen.

I think that’s a great idea and we are always looking for a market for our products. I think that would be an excellent way to promote the tents and the products of the Northwest Territories. The main thing is it’s operating as a business, so we would have to find the money to pay for the tents. I think we would perhaps do that through a supp of some sort if we get the necessary support.