Kieron Testart

I thank the Minister for clarifying, but I am concerned about the status quo approach to procurement, as I'm sure he's well aware, and other Members of this House are concerned, and the Standing Committees on Economic Development and Environment are concerned. I hope that, as we develop strategies and documents like the Manufacturing Strategy, we are better positioned as an Assembly to address these public concerns and make progress on them one way or another. Either amend the policies or provide additional resources in the form of subsidies or enhance existing engagement programs or...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this motion. I don't think I could possibly begin to embody the spirit of the motion as my friend the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre did, but I did want to take some time to speak about the difference that elected representatives can -- and we have two here today who have been working tirelessly since the term began, the honourable Members for Range Lake and Yellowknife Centre -- make a difference and actually find meaningful ways we can improve representation in politics by getting more women elected and more women...

Thank you. Mr. Chair. I thank the Minister for that response. I did hear any enhancements, so I will assume that the preparations are remaining consistent for those activities.

Finally, the Manufacturing Strategy has been undertaken by not this department, but depending on the outcomes of it, it may affect procurement policies. Is there any money or any budget or any budgetary activities in this department that would change procurement policies based on the findings and the ultimate resolution of the Manufacturing Strategy? Thank you.

What other programs has the Minister halted intake on in the college currently since the foundational review started?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wouldn't necessarily characterize, although much of this legislation is in early development, it is in the legislative cycle and the province of Ontario has actually already moved ahead with some of these modifications to their construction legislation that governs the construction and industry government procurement, so I would advise the department not to remain tied to the Senate bill, which is working its way through the Parliament of Canada, but to also look at the province of Ontario and what they have accomplished in their short time.

In addition to prompt payment...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my honourable friend from Nahendeh's questions, I'd just like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment: if there are students who don't want to leave the Northwest Territories to take training in in-demand jobs like social work and teacher education, what do we tell those students? Thank you.

Nothing further for this department. Thank you.

My apologies, Mr. Speaker; the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to speak of the largest contributor to our economy, the source of continued growth and the real economic engine of the Northwest Territories. I am, of course, speaking about our mining industry, and I do appreciate the advocacy that our Ministers and government do to support the continued growth and development of the industry, which is why I was shocked to read the most recent Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies from the year of 2017.

It's a survey that was electronically circulated to approximately 2,700 individuals between August 22nd and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister is dedicated to a charm offensive at these trade shows and industry events and mining conferences, but I would like to know what we have to show for it. How much mining investment has been attracted to the Northwest Territories since this government took office? Thank you.