Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, am in support of this reduction. It's time that we start to recognize the importance of small businesses. I know that there was an attempt in the last Assembly to try and get the tax rate down to zero, and the government at the time did not even give it time to hit the floor for debate. I am very pleased to see that we have a group here that understands the importance of small businesses and is willing to give them support in whatever way they can. This is one small way to do it. Just as taxes are required for civilization, so is small business required to keep...

My third question, I guess he answered part of it: why can't the NWT just develop our own curriculum, but it sounds like it's too expensive. Why do we have to partner with another province besides the fact that we're talking about money?

I hope that comment about paying attention wasn't directed at me.

---Laughter

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm pleased to see this bill. We're not Alberta, and maybe they're waiting for us to make the first move. I am pleased to see that there's engagement out there. If it looks like we have to pull the trigger on it, then we do it. Then they'll probably follow right behind us. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you.

If these units were to be acquired, can the Minister confirm if the department knows the condition of the units currently occupied, or would they come over retrofitted?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just look at that $50,000 number there, and I take a look at harvesting in the Northwest Territories. There is not a lot of it. It's mostly out of Hay River with a company there and maybe someone in the smaller communities. Is there any appetite to push industry development a little bit more and throw some more money at that initiative? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to continue questioning the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation with respect to RCMP units. I would ask the Minister: how many housing units currently occupied by RCMP members in Hay River could be available to the NWT Housing Corporation after the RCMP members move into their new units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to turn to traditional knowledge. With respect to that fund there, I see that it was $7,000 in 2019-2020, and it's gone up to $65,000. I'm just wondering, I would ask how it's used. I see that it says here that it carries out specific wildlife and forestry research. Does that include getting information from elders, picking the knowledge that they have, and if so, is there compensation related to that? Thank you, Madam Chair.

I would ask the Minister if she knows if the RCMP members were consulted on the design. I ask this question because the units appear small and seem to lack storage space, which I'm sure those with larger families would require if they're coming North.

Anyways, can you talk a little bit about that program? I see it went in 2019-2020 from $48,000 up to $125,000, so I suspect that is the interest in it since that is what's happening. Thank you, Madam Chair.