Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of the Beaufort-Delta, at this time, are in a big need for some sort of economic job opportunities. Within the next week, Inuvik will be hosting the Inuvik Petroleum Show and I understand the Minister of ITI will be attending. I would like to ask the Minister what will be your message for the people of the Beaufort-Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. David Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the question from the Member. Certainly, I think the message has to be that there’s hope for the future, not only in the Beaufort-Delta but in the territory, when it relates to our economic development and the opportunities that are out there. I know the organizers have worked hard to put together a solid program for the Inuvik Petroleum Show, which takes place in Inuvik next week. I certainly look forward to speaking at that show. I know the Premier will be there as well as a couple of Regular Members. The message is that there is hope for the future, and we’re looking forward to being there.
What can we expect to get from the development of our petroleum resources?
We continue to move toward the conclusion of the negotiation on devolution, and certainly I think the territory will benefit greatly from the development of our petroleum resources here in the Northwest Territories. Not only on-shore, but off-shore. After the agreement is concluded, we will be able to negotiate a deal on off-shore. When you look at the potential that exists in the Beaufort, that’s a tremendous opportunity for this territory going forward. We’re certainly excited about the prospects that are out in the Beaufort. I know Chevron will be out there doing some seismic work this summer. There’s a renewed interest and focus on opportunities in the Beaufort.
Thank you to the Minister. At this time I have no further questions.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
