David Ramsay

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to provide some comments in relation to the Electoral Boundaries Commission. I just wanted to start off by saying, first and foremost, I don’t think we need any more politicians to represent the people in the Northwest Territories. I think 19 is very good. I’ve been here for almost a decade and the scenario that we have today is a workable one, it’s a manageable one.

Some Members are talking about the cost and that certainly is a factor in all of this, but I want to make one other thing clear. That is that I wouldn’t...

I support our Mineral Development Strategy, and I hope that the Standing Committee on Economic Development and the Regular Members support the Mineral Development Strategy and what it means to the future of mining here in the Northwest Territories. That’s what I support.

The expert panel talked to a variety of stakeholders here in the Northwest Territories, including municipalities, industry, Aboriginal government and organizations including NGOs. They talked to Alternatives North, regulatory bodies, chambers of commerce, education and training institutions and non-government organizations, so for the Member to say that we didn’t talk to anybody, that’s not an accurate statement.

We haven’t opened a mine outside of a diamond mine in well over 20 years here in the Northwest Territories. Our interest is in getting more mines open so we can have jobs and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled NWT Community Futures Program 2011-2012 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Gone are the days of Giant Mine. Governments today certainly have the tools to put in place sizeable security deposits when mines open up, and the reclamation is planned into the development of the mine. Some mining now takes place with progressive reclamation as the mine goes forward. Certainly, again, as we move forward here, we can certainly look at opportunities here in the Northwest Territories to ensure that that does not happen. Again, this is a Mineral Development Strategy, not an anti-development strategy.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have in place socio-economic agreements with mining companies doing work here in the Northwest Territories. The expert panel on the Mineral Development Strategy went out, consulted far and wide across the Northwest Territories, and we have to keep sight of the fact that this is a development, a Mineral Development Strategy. We’re not interested in scaring away investment and we are going to have to ensure that as we continue along the path of implementing this Mineral Development Strategy. I thank the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure for...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of people I’d like to recognize today. I want to start with a constituent, Chris Johnston. He’s with the Northern Safety Association. If anybody can keep bees safe this winter, it will be Chris. So, welcome, Chris.

Also Sarah Johnson, and Chris Robb with UNICO Contractors, a good Kam Lake business. Welcome.

Welcome to former Premier Mr. Roland. It’s good to see you back in the House. Mr. Zoe, welcome. Also, Mr. Hamilton, a special welcome back to David. I know I came into the House in 2003 and David was just on his way out. I didn’t get a chance to work...

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Monfwi, that Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, be read for the third time. Thank you.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 69(2) and have Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, moved into Committee of the Whole for today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted