Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about how the diamond industry has impacted the Tu Nedhe communities. I’m not sure if everyone knows, but the BHP, Diavik and De Beers diamond mines are within the Tu Nedhe riding.
October of this year will mark the tenth year that BHP has been operating, and this past January Diavik Diamond Mine has been in operation for five years. This month it will be four years that De Beers’ Snap Lake project has been operating.
The diamond mine presence has both positive and negative impacts for Tu Nedhe. Economically the diamond industries have increased employment opportunities for many residents living in Tu Nedhe. They have also marginally increased the discretionary spending capabilities of the First Nation bands, as well as providing aboriginal-owned businesses with industry-related opportunities.
Socially the diamond mines have had minimal impact on these communities, but traditional lifestyles have been affected because of the introduction of a wage economy. But members are starting to maximize employment gains and are once again getting back into hunting and trapping. Increased income means more money to buy new boats, motors, Ski-Doos, et cetera. The rotationary work allows them more time to spend on the land.
Environmentally the diamond mines have had a significant impact on wildlife, fish, water and land; however, this has resulted in increased and enhanced awareness of responsibility of land-use management practices amongst all interested parties. This activity is largely responsible for the streamlining of the important environmental assessment process and the environmental monitoring boards.
Industry has committed to working with First Nation groups, demonstrated by many different impact benefit agreements signed. I believe the First Nations are committed to working with industry to maximize economic opportunities for its members and to maximize land issues.
However, many of my constituents feel that we as a government are failing them in the NWT as a whole in the area of resource revenue. They continue to hear of the huge profits the diamond mines are making year after year, yet the communities are….
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
They continue to hear of huge profits the diamond mines are making year after year, yet the communities, our ultimate residents, are not seeing the real noticeable benefits from revenue generated by these diamond mines. With the proposed budget cuts that could impact all of us, why are we not maximizing our participation in this resource revenue agreement?
Later today I will have a follow-up statement and some questions for the Premier.
