Mr. Speaker, recently the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Mining Association of Canada commissioned a survey conducted by Abacus Data. It clearly shows that the citizens of the North overwhelmingly support the mining and exploration industry. More to it, Northerners not only believe the industry's economic contributions are substantial, but that our safety and environmental standards go beyond regular expectations. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, our residents believe that the development of new mines is a positive contribution to our economy and that this government must further support this key industry. To add more clarity, let's delve into the survey numbers. Mr. Speaker, 86 per cent of the respondents believe a strong mining sector is vital to the long-term health of the NWT economy; 83 per cent say regulation of the sector works well; and 82 per cent would like to see more mining projects in the NWT. That translates into eight out of ten people having a positive outlook on the mining and mineral exploration industry.
Mr. Speaker, though these numbers are almost resoundingly optimistic, 84 per cent are still worried about the future of the NWT economy. Frankly, this is unacceptable. We have a responsibility, as leaders in this territory, to soothe the fears of our residents of our dismal economic expectations while also offering a real plan for growth and job creation. Clearly, a lot of faith is where these solutions lie in the industry that contributes almost 40 per cent of our GDP: mining and mineral exploration. This budget now proposes to grow the mining industry by increasing the mining incentive program, both with no new mines opening other than small grassroots projects, unsettled land claims, and with little or no new investment for the private sector. I am obliged to ask: where exactly is this government's often-touted Mineral Development Strategy? When is it going to deliver real results for our economy? Mr. Speaker, according to the survey, 88 per cent of our people believe that the 18th Assembly is supportive of the mining and mineral exploration industry. I urge the government to prove to the residents of the NWT that their confidence in this House and in this government is not unfounded. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
