Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, developing remediation skills in the Sahtu, Mr. Speaker, it has been documented that Northerners have not fully benefitted from environmental cleanup and remediation sites across the Northwest Territories. In the Sahtu, we can see a major remediation project is on our horizon. It is expected the Norman Wells oil field will stop producing recoverable oil, and the site will need to be remediated.
Imperial Oil has submitted their closure and reclamation plan to the appropriate authorities. It must be noted the oil field is owned by the Government of Canada, Mr. Speaker. This presents a unique opportunity for both levels of government on joint collaboration. Imperial Oil is well underway to determining the objectives for progressive reclamation and the eventual end of life activities at the Norman Wells oil fields. Closure and reclamation is moving forward in Norman Wells, but how are the regional residents prepared to benefit from this activity?
Mr. Speaker, we only have to look at the federal administration of contracts for the Giant Mine site to see local labour and businesses are missing an economic opportunity in remediation. The Giant Mine Oversight Board 2022 Annual Report states disappointment by the lack of local activity from the project. The board continues to urge the proponents to implement improved access to remediation work for the local small businesses and to create more employment and training opportunities for residents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the GNWT is responding to the remediation opportunity by developing two remediation focused courses at Aurora College through the Industry, Tourism and Investment department, supporting a pilot program designed to support Indigenous business capacity in the remediation sector. The GNWT is also working with the federal government to explore the viability of a remediation economy in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. This, Mr. Speaker, raises more training, a trades training readiness for remediation and reclamation workforce opportunities authored and, most importantly, supported by myself, but how does all this benefit the residents of the Sahtu? What is the GNWT doing to ensure benefits has the local labour force and business capacity to take advantage of the Norman Wells oil field
Member from the Sahtu, your time is up. Members' statements. Member from the Mackenzie Delta.
