Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let’s take a minute to review some key words from a document that is no stranger to this House: sharing, partnerships, effective and efficient government, strengthening our relationships, and working with our partners. These words form the moral fabric of our 17th Assembly Caucus priorities. Admittedly, these words should send a clear meaning to our residents of our promise to them, and these words should equally reflect our moral compass when we deal with one another in this House.
All things being equal, I am disappointed to say that yesterday in this House I was left with no other option than to table a written question as to the recent diamond business travel itinerary of the Minister of ITI. I was forced to do so as my attempts weeks earlier produced a reply of a couple of lines and a department e-mail on nothing more than a city is being visited.
Why should an elected Member to this House whose riding represents the physical locations of the secondary manufacturing facilities be shunned from receiving such information when asked? Furthermore, adding insult to injury, why would the media receive such same detailed information just days ago but no sharing of such information to the department, its riding representative, Regular Members or standing committee? Again, my question from before: Why the secrecy?
We are at a critical impasse in our efforts to re-invent our secondary polishing industry with the Department of ITI on a mission to establish future potential manufacturers and operations in the NWT. We need, now more than ever, the proper policy and framework to deal with the secure certification process to enhance the marketing of the polar bear brand, to establish innovative trading solutions with stakeholders, and to define all real commercial advantages in being a future central training hub in Canada.
This new vision cannot be achieved with the current November 2010 Diamond Policy Framework mentioned by the Minister. We need more. We need a commitment from this department, and this Minister, to do the right thing and forgo political divisiveness or personal agenda.
I expect a Cabinet of sharing, especially of public achievement, and a Cabinet that is more about positive creation. The people of Range Lake and the people of the NWT have spoken.
Will the Minister of ITI step up to the plate, apply the moral principles of the 17th Assembly Caucus priorities, and work with Regular Members to create a strategy or a plan of action for our second attempt at the diamond manufacturing industry? The clock is ticking and the diamond world will not wait. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
