Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to talk about the Mackenzie Gas Project and to be on the record again to say that I support it. The Mackenzie Gas Project has been called the economic lifeline for many of our communities in the NWT.
This project is important for the people of my riding of Nunakput. It will bring jobs, business opportunities, ownership of the pipeline. Just as important, exploration will start up and the gas will have to make its way down to market. The good thing about that is the offshore holds amazing potential. We just needed the industry to come back and get started exploring in our region.
Exploration is important. It provides jobs and gives our businesses opportunities that are scarce now. My people have been a part of the oil and gas exploration business for generations.
Right now the people need hope. My people are facing high levels of unemployment and suffering from poverty. My people hope the future gets them out of this cycle. The future includes their children getting training and taking advantage of employment opportunities from the Mackenzie Gas Project. It’s a key part of making this hope move into reality.
Another thing I wanted to mention is the natural gas is a clean fuel. The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline will bring a clean, natural gas to the South, which will allow people to burn natural gas in their homes instead of dirty fuels like coal. That keeps electricity plants going.
We see the impacts of climate change here in the North every day. One of the solutions is getting southern Canada and the United States off their dependence on coal and getting them turned on to natural gas.
I fear that these are critical times. I urge the federal government and the proponents to come to a solution when it comes to the pipeline. A pipeline is a good thing for Canada. We have heard many times in the House of the pipeline that will bring Ontario and Alberta economic benefits. The federal government should see this pipeline as Canada’s pipeline and not just ours.
I’m worried that the pipeline is taking as long as it is to get to where we are today. I urge all parties to work together and to get things moving. My people are relying on them. Quyanainni.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
