Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie gas project is critical to the long-term strategic interests of the Northwest Territories and to the social and economic future of our people and our communities. This project will provide significant opportunity for residents of the Northwest Territories to take control of their economic future.

On February 14th, the Joint Review Panel on the Mackenzie gas project will begin its public hearings to evaluate the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts of the project in the project area.

The Joint Review Panel is one of two hearing processes being undertaken on this project. The GNWT has already filed evidence and will also be participating in hearings being held by the National Energy Board.

Yesterday, the Government of the Northwest Territories filed a general submission with the Joint Review Panel. Copies of our submission can be obtained through the Joint Review Panel’s public registry.

The Government of the Northwest Territories wants to ensure that if the Mackenzie gas project proceeds, it is undertaken in a manner that is environmentally, socially, culturally and economically sustainable. Our submission to the Joint Review Panel is based on the premise that this may be achieved if:

the proponents implement commitments on project-related impacts;

the project is subject to ongoing monitoring, mitigation and reporting; and,

the proponents complete a socio-economic agreement with our government.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories maintains qualified support for the Mackenzie gas project based upon the information currently available. We intend to continue working with the proponents, other interveners and aboriginal organizations throughout the public hearing

phase of the environmental review of the project to ensure our concerns and issues are addressed.

During the hearing phase of the environmental review, the Government of the Northwest Territories will provide presentations and evidence to support the recommendations contained in our general submission.

Our participation will allow us to learn more about the project, the concerns of others, and to consider adjustments to our recommendations. We fully expect the issues we have identified to be resolved during the hearing process as the proponents provide further information and make additional commitments.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will make our final recommendations to the Joint Review Panel at the conclusion of the public hearing phase. These recommendations will be based on the commitments made by the proponents, the recommendations made by other interveners and any agreements reached with the proponents during the hearing phase. We are confident any outstanding issues will be addressed by the Joint Review Panel in its final report to the federal and responsible Ministers.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories’ qualified support for the project, as outlined in our general submission, opens the door for the proponents to address our recommendations. We look forward to participating in this process. Thank you. Mahsi cho.

---Applause