Wally Schumann

As the Member knows, the Government of the Northwest Territories is very supportive of the marine conservation area along the east and north coast of the Parry Peninsula, and we continue to work on that. This marine protected area, once established, will have numerous regulations in place that are expected to provide the balance that the Member speaks of here today in the House. It's encouraging to know that the conservation goals of these regulations have been developing using traditional local knowledge, so that's very important.

The regulations also consider the economic needs of the region...

The Mineral Resource Division and the NWT Geological Survey both follow mineral development projects in the Northwest Territories and speak often with junior mining companies throughout the NWT. These divisions also monitor press releases by junior mining companies and compile a report. This report, though, is actually put out by the Mineral Exploration Overview and it's produced by the NWT Geological Survey. In addition, companies and prospectors regularly contact the staff at the Mining Recorder's Office, so we're in contact with junior mining companies in that manner.

Also, as early as this...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Grants and Contributions Results Report 2015-2016." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We have the Mineral Development Strategy, which provides the GNWT with clear direction on a large number of programs and activities that benefit the NWT economy, and when commodity prices rebound we will be looking towards that. Within ITI, both the mineral incentive program and the exploration incentive program provides various forms of support to help these companies participate in the Northwest Territories and be active.

It's also critical that we encourage companies to continue their exploration efforts in the territory and provide them with the information they need. ITI is well-equipped...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No mineral deposits have been discovered in the anomaly area, but, as the Member knows, Darnley Bay Resources has reported diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes there on the Parry Peninsula just northwest of there. Unfortunately, as the Member stated in his statement today, the drilling at Darnley Bay has not been able to determine what the anomaly actually represents and it's, you know, supposedly a very significant one. Mineral resources, what is contained there, will not be known until we are able to drill the area. But to get back to his question, ITI's Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories is very committed to the development of biomass in the Northwest Territories, as we believe this project will create regional economic development opportunities and local employment. It will also probably help revitalize the NWT forestry industry, which could bring in sawmills and other such things. The department itself has committed to the FMA holders in both Fort Resolution and Fort Providence SEED funding for assistance under that program for marketing and business planning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry offers enormous potential to create economic growth and diversification in our regions and in our communities. In fact, while other sectors around the world are experiencing challenges, the Northwest Territories tourism sector continues to grow. Between 2010-2011 and 2015-2016, the number of visitors to our territory has increased from 65,000 to 93,000. Visitor spending in this timeframe has also increased from $94.1 million to $167.1 million.

These numbers represent new money for our tourism operators, hotels, restaurants, shops, festivals, and events. They...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was the previous Minister of ENR, I know a little bit about the Forest Management Act. Hopefully we are going to have that coming forward into the life of this Legislative Assembly to move it forward. ENR continues to move that legislation along, and ITI will be working closely, as I've said, with all Members of the Legislative Assembly and all departments to help move this project along. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the Member stated, the community of Fort Providence is reengaged with Aurora Wood Pellets. These negotiations are ongoing and they're proprietary information. We can't get into those details to share with the Member, but I can reassure him that the Government of the Northwest Territories, as well as the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and ENR, are working closely with the proponents to get this project under way.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize all the members of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities. I'd like to single out Donna Lee Jungkind, the deputy mayor of Hay River, and also Craig McMaster, the mayor of Enterprise. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.