Daniel McNeely

Mr. Speaker, Resource and Energy Development Information, or better known as REDI, the promotional initiative and developments of our NWT resources through this marketing publication: Mr. Speaker, on February 21st, next week, in Norman Wells, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is sponsoring a REDI session, an open-house engagement to better understand public awareness of resource and energy development.

This, Mr. Speaker, is truly the first step in community and regional consultations for all stakeholders to develop meaningful discussions on regulatory and co-management issues.

M...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituent assistant, Corrine Ferdinand; and Adele, best known as Adele Tatti; and the page, Jon Tatti, joining us here today. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the collective bargaining concluded over the past weekend, where a no strike decision was lifted. This has brought great relief and lifted the atmosphere of uncertainty and tension. Mr. Speaker, for that, I am grateful. Congratulations to the negotiation parties and mediator Vince Ready.

Mr. Speaker, as legislators, our first and foremost obligations are to the residents of the Northwest Territories and our regions' constituents. Decisions we conclude are often heartfelt on our abilities as to whether it is the right choice.

Mr. Speaker, our public service...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize David Ramsay, former Minister, former MLA, and friend. Mahsi.

Evrim's CEO recognized in the news release that the Astro project is located within the traditional territory of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim and stated that both Evrim and Newmont are committed to developing a positive and mutually beneficial relationship based on respect and transparency.

Mr. Speaker, the results reported by Evrim are encouraging, especially in a region that is known for its oil and gas. There are very few surface showings found anywhere in the world reporting this grade and width of gold. It speaks to the NWT's mineral potential in the Sahtu.

We are...

Thanks to the Minister for that reply. It seems that the cost of going to Vancouver is bearing some fruit. My third question to the Minister of ITI is: will the GNWT be signing a SEA with Evrim to ensure that the Sahtu residents and businesses benefit from the work in their region?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up to my statement earlier, my questions today are to the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Is the Minister or his department aware of the Astro gold property that I referred to earlier? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Promising gold find in the Sahtu region: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to highlight for my colleagues a new exploration discovery coming from the Sahtu Region.

It comes from Evrim Resources Corporation, a precious and base metals project generator who in January announced surface sampling results from their Astra gold project.

This project is joint between Evrim and Newmont Mining Corporation, one of the world's largest gold producers. It has led to the acquisition of a 23,250 square-kilometre prospective land package along the border of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question to the Minister: are there any plans for these two companies, Newmont and Evrim, to come into our capital in the near future? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks to the Minister for that reply and information here. It seems that there is some dialogue going back and forth, which sounds encouraging. My next question: what are Evrim's plans to keep the project moving forward?