Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I correct myself here earlier on my Member's statement here. My question today is directed to the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's common knowledge that we know the high and significant contributions, the economic contributions, the mining industry brings to the growth of the region, the territorial government as well, and the workforce, and to explore and add to the contributing factor of that industry is the reason why I would like to ask the Minister's support in funding a regional conference in one of the Sahtu's communities and discuss with the land claim stakeholders who are going to have a vital part in the approval and support of the conference and the development of that potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we know, the Sahtu has been explored historically for oil and gas but it also was one of the earlier regions where mining first occurred and now we see the need to diversify into mining from oil and gas in the Sahtu. We know there's some significant interest in mining and there's also significant potential, and we are looking at developing regional mining strategies in every region in the Northwest Territories, so certainly we'd be prepared to consider a mining conference in the region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm glad to hear the support is going in that direction to have this conference here to have good heartfelt dialogue with all the speakers and all the stakeholders related to this initiative. Because of the remoteness and the high travel mobilization costs here for leaders to get together not only amongst themselves but with initiatives such as this conference, we'd like to take advantage of this summer's boating season. It takes a few hours to go from one community to the next, so it's an enjoyable trip and a reasonable transportation mode, probably the only one at this time of the year, Mr. Speaker. We'd like to hold a conference here, all said and done, sometime, in an ideal location, here this summer. Would the Minister support the timing of the conference and resources needed to sponsor this initiative this summer?
We would have to look at that. Seeing as this is June already and we would have to take that into consideration and looking into what the Member is proposing.
After listening and reviewing the numbers here yesterday, I think it could be said confidently that there are resources available to hold such an event. I think Kevin would agree there, he's smiling, so I've got his vote. Nevertheless, we'd like to submit a proposal here in the very near future, so would the Minister commit to providing the necessary resources?
One of my rules is don't agree to something you don't know what the value is, so we'll wait for the proposal.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last closing question is thanks for the support and I look forward to concluding this request over the next few hours, meaning the very near future, on a proposed development submission. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. I didn't hear a question there. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
