David Ramsay

We continue to move toward the conclusion of the negotiation on devolution, and certainly I think the territory will benefit greatly from the development of our petroleum resources here in the Northwest Territories. Not only on-shore, but off-shore. After the agreement is concluded, we will be able to negotiate a deal on off-shore. When you look at the potential that exists in the Beaufort, that’s a tremendous opportunity for this territory going forward. We’re certainly excited about the prospects that are out in the Beaufort. I know Chevron will be out there doing some seismic work this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following two documents, entitled “Taking a Kid Trapping and Harvesting Report 2010-2011” and “Growing Forward Canada/Northwest Territories, Growing Forward Agreement – Small Scale Foods Program Community Garden Initiative, 2011 Annual Report.” Thank you.

The project manager in Trout Lake has identified a community liaison person who is responsible for finding operators, picking up and dropping off personnel, and general other duties associated with the project. We have a liaison there. We have been working with the community. If the Member is aware of instances where that isn’t happening, or cases where he feels or the community feels that we aren’t working with them, that’s something I’d like for him to bring to my attention and we’ll certainly try to rectify that.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have had some difficulties with getting the construction of that airport complete in Trout Lake. We will continue to work. We’re under a project management regime now, similar to what we started out with in the community of Trout Lake. We look forward to continuing with the embankment work. There have been some delays in the project until next year, but certainly work continues, and it is our belief that the department can continue to work with the community of Trout Lake to maximize the opportunities at the local level.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question from the Member. Certainly, I think the message has to be that there’s hope for the future, not only in the Beaufort-Delta but in the territory, when it relates to our economic development and the opportunities that are out there. I know the organizers have worked hard to put together a solid program for the Inuvik Petroleum Show, which takes place in Inuvik next week. I certainly look forward to speaking at that show. I know the Premier will be there as well as a couple of Regular Members. The message is that there is hope for the future, and...

As early as mid-July, I hope to be in Norman Wells and have the opportunity to meet with Husky while they’re there. Certainly, in August when we are in Calgary meeting with industry, with the EDI committee, that’s when I would hope to have some more opportunity to discuss those types of opportunities with industry while we’re in Calgary, and that would happen in August.

To the Member’s question, yes, any opportunity we get to talk to industry on the advancement of transportation infrastructure in the Sahtu, we will take every opportunity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is well aware, building roads in the Northwest Territories is an expensive endeavour. With the resource development in the central Mackenzie and the Sahtu, I certainly believe there is opportunity, as we go forward, to develop transportation infrastructure, and that would include all-weather roads, by working with industry and also with our partner in Ottawa. I believe those discussions will take place as that resource is proven up and that resource continues to move forward. There are going to be a lot of opportunities in that area.

The Member brings up a good point and we’ll take that into consideration.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d be more than happy to look into the intervals on maintenance on that section of highway in comparison to other sections. It does have, and I do know this, something to do with the amount of traffic that is on the road, but I will get the information for the Member and then we can do a comparison. If there are issues with maintenance, the Member and the communities can certainly bring that to my attention and we will address that.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The discovery of diamonds at Lac de Gras in 1991 marked the beginning of a new economic era for the Northwest Territories. Since then, the mining industry has become the backbone of our economy, creating over 2,600 direct jobs and an annual economic impact of over $750 million. However, we have not had a comprehensive plan in place to ensure we make the most of our mineral resources. Today I would like to talk to you about this government’s plan to develop a mineral development strategy.

First, I would like to mention that this is NWT Mining Week. We celebrate the...