Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Madam Speaker. If we're saddled with COVID-19 restrictions for another year or more, can the Premier confirm what is the long-term strategy to assist our small northern businesses so they do not fail? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Martselos. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses into the Chamber. Minister, please introduce your witness.

I thank the Minister for that answer. I have talked to small-business owners who are not receiving any work in their community or region. This is partly due to the number of bidders and outside influence from southern contractors. One area where we can assist them is in those M and Is or projects required by the NWT Housing Corporation and Infrastructure. If we find a business that has been left out, will the Premier commit to talking with the Minister of housing and the Minister of Infrastructure to find a solution to this inequity and make sure that our small businesses are working?

Thank you, committee. We have concluded consideration of Committee Report 4-19(2), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2018-2019 Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission Annual Report. Committee, we have agreed to consider Committee Report 5-19(2), Standing Committee on Government Operations Report on the Review of the 2018-2019 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I will go to the chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations for any opening comments. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, committee. We have concluded consideration of Committee Report 5-19(2), Report on the Review of the 2018-2019 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Committee, we have agreed to consider Bill 15, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2020. I will ask the Minister of Justice to introduce the bill. Minister.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It appears that, when we now talk about our economy and small businesses in today's environment, we must preface it with the term "COVID-19." Madam Speaker, believe it or not, not all businesses are being treated equally in this harsh economic environment. Government tends to favour larger businesses over small, and maybe there is good reason for that. it is just as important to think of our small businesses where, in Canada, approximately 60 percent have experienced a revenue drop of 20 percent or more. Small businesses, statistically, have laid off a larger...

Thank you, Ms. Martselos. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Thank you, Mrs. Martselos. The motion is in order. To the motion.

The motion is in order. To the motion.