Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Burgundy recently released a letter which some could say was completely unfortunate on their approach. They could have gone about this a little bit differently. The criticism they received was basically targeted at the author. They viewed it as a large business wanting their way, and they attacked them on their pocketbook. But what was ignored is the message within the letter. Here was a bell being rung by an industry partner that underpins our economy and who's saying we have a path for economic opportunity for the next 25 years.
Mr. Speaker, they are saying we could do things. It was profound, their letter, if you actually read the text. 2040, they're saying we could keep things going. But even more exciting, Mr. Speaker, was the statement that said, in fact, the Jay pipe alone represents one of the largest undeveloped kimberlite pipes on the planet. This is a statement that should have been the headlines of every newspaper in the world. They are seeing opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, Burgundy isn't looking for a pass; they're looking for a path forward. Mr. Speaker, they went so far as saying here we're giving some ideas. They throw several easy-to-read headlines such as mine reclamation provisions, and they talk about the cost of holding money back. And what they're really asking for is can we do a progressive return of their deposit. Any situation of asking, if you've done 50 percent of the work why are you holding on the money, as an example. Return some of it. Find a way. They're concerned about valuation, can we speed up the process, all within the GNWT's reach. The Mineral Resource Act, they're not asking to say we don't want to have regulations. They're just saying can we be grandfathered, but more importantly, if you read the message saying MRA regs have been out for years and years to come, we're just looking for some transparency about the hidden unknowns.
Mr. Speaker, under environmental permitting, they're not saying change the system and dump the system. They're just saying they view it conflicted, would the GNWT work as a partner, acknowledge they have challenges, and they want to meet them. I don't hear they don't want to be permitted or regulated; I hear we want to do things differently but progressive. Mr. Speaker, the water management is the same argument. They want to work with the Northerners to achieve a good end.
Mr. Speaker, ultimately, no one is saying that big business should get a pass. This big business isn't saying they want a pass; they say they want to be a partner in the future. 25 years ahead with the biggest diamond mine pipe should not go ignored. Mr. Speaker, this is a true and genuine opportunity for economic sustainability of the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Yellowknife Centre. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
