Denny Rodgers

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Back in I guess late 2023, the department did a review of its business incentive policy. I know because when they did do some consultation and information sessions in the regions, and particularly in Inuvik, it was during my campaign actually the time I attended one. And one of the updates they were looking at doing for the BIP was to around -- we'll call them enforcement, but putting teeth into the policy to ensure that contractors that were filling out the BIP forms were then obviously following up on those BIP forms and ensuring that what was stated in the forms was...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to second this motion. You know, based on the -- all the information and the reasons that my colleague, the Member from Range Lake, so eloquently put, and I won't reiterate all those, just to say, Mr. Speaker, that this is about compassion. It's about doing the right thing. And it's why we're here, Mr. Speaker. So I trust this motion and this important policy work will begin as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And that sounds like something for a Member's statement next week, but I certainly appreciate the answers. No further questions in this section. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And, yeah, the issue has been -- and, listen, I've been involved with BIP through other parts of my career and, again, we see a lot of times where, you know, a contractor or someone will fill out those forms, put in the northern content, and then not necessarily follow up on the northern content and the problem was, you know, if you wait until you're halfway through a $20 million contract to realize that, you know, we haven't, you know -- those intentions weren't followed, then it's likely too late. So one of the -- you know, it'll cost you way more to have to go out and...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, committee wishes to consider Tabled Document 275-20(1), 2025-2026 Main Estimates, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

How often does the department then -- given that it is arm's length, there's obviously reporting coming through, how often does the Minister or the department communicate with the members at OROGO?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just firstly, I recall -- I'll ask the Minister, has there ever been any of these positions outside of headquarters? I believe at one point there was one in the Beaufort Delta, but I'm not 100 percent sure. Can the Minister confirm.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If it happens, we live in the same community I guess. The Minister mentioned a communications plans. So is there any details on how that will roll out, how we're going to let people know in Inuvik that this is certainly happening and that they may want to consider doing, as the Minister stated, booking the nonurgent appointments at another time. Can there be a little more detail on what that communication plan will be, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my statement this morning -- or this afternoon, sorry, can the Minister provide us with an update or whether she's aware of the lack of accommodations in Yellowknife and, Mr. Speaker, how this may impact -- how this impacts people if they have medical travel.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move the chair rise and report progress.