Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment a couple of questions regarding the joint agreement and the development of the diamond industry here. The joint agreement was between Deepak International Limited.
Recently there’s been an announcement about the resurgence of the diamond cutting industry in the Northwest Territories, and I’d like to know what the delays have been from opening these two diamond plants that he’s made a deal with to start cutting diamonds in the Northwest Territories. As I understand it, there have been significant delays. So, what are the delays? Will you lay it out here before the House? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Ramsay.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those would be equipment coming from overseas. Also, the negotiation of purchasing agreements with the NWT producers. Thank you.
Thank you. More specifically, what are the delays in the purchasing of the buildings? Thank you.
Thank you. That doesn’t fall under my responsibility and that question should be directed to the Minister of Public Works and Services. Thank you.
Thank you. In the department’s due diligence to get this industry back on its feet, what is the department doing to ensure that this diamond cutting initiative gets done in a timely manner? This project, as I understand it, has been in the works almost a year and they’ve only started signing agreements now. So what is the Department of ITI doing to insist the closure of these deals to ensure we get plants up and working? Thank you.
Thank you. This is an investment of between $30 million and $40 million, a private investment. There are a number of details that have to be worked out. As the Member knows, caution should be taken when getting into a business like this. There are a number of things that have to be accomplished. Like I said, the equipment is one concern and, also, the purchase agreements from the NWT producers is another issue, as well, and the proponent continues to work toward the goal line and that is to open both of those factories here in Yellowknife. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Your final, short supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe if the Minister could elaborate what this goal line specifically is and when it’s targeted. The Minister has said there seems to be equipment problems and purchase agreement problems. Can he elaborate what those specific problems are and how his department is working to solve these problems so we can get people in the industry back up and working, cutting diamonds and selling them? Thank you.
Thank you. From the government’s perspective, we’ve approved a northern manufacturing status for Deepak International. We’re working closely with the m, but this is a private business deal at the end of the day. As I mentioned, there are a number of items that have to be carefully thought out and planned. You simply just don’t flick a switch and open a factory. Certainly, there are a lot of employees that have to be found as well. We are encouraged by what we’ve heard thus far and certainly want to support Mr. Kumar and Deepak International as they endeavour to open both of those factories. It will be a great day when both of those factories are open and we do have the 45 to 50 employees working at those factories, and we will continue to support this company’s efforts in opening those factories.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.
