Mr. Speaker, since the announcement of Imperial Oil Limited, on behalf of the proponents of the Mackenzie gas project, to suspend future technical work along the Mackenzie Valley, there have been aboriginal groups, business people and people in general concern about the future of the proposed pipeline along the Mackenzie Valley.

Many people, Mr. Speaker, in the Beaufort-Delta are concerned and so they should be. Owners of small businesses are trying to decide whether to make any future investments to get ready for the pipeline in light of the uncertainty.

Mr. Speaker, some aboriginal groups consider this as a threat by Imperial Oil to have their own way, but let me tell this government we should not take this announcement as a threat but as a wake-up call for the federal government to respond to the concerns raised by our government and the aboriginal groups for funding to address the social and infrastructure needs of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I have worked for industry before and if we think Imperial Oil and their partners are just talking the talk, let me tell you they will pack up just like in the mid '70s and early '80s if the federal government does not respond to these concerns.

I have been to many meetings in the Beaufort-Delta, Mr. Speaker, representing both aboriginal groups and municipalities over the last 30 years. Many times issues such as lack of schools, community halls and roads in small communities were raised by individuals. Today, Mr. Speaker, these same issues are being raised by communities, in particular when proponents are in attendance. Communities always request industry to provide money for these infrastructure requirements. The industry’s response has always been that it is the government’s responsibility, and they continue to say that. This is where I agree that government must step up to the plate and address the needs and concerns of the communities.

Mr. Speaker, if the Mackenzie gas project does not become a reality or should be delayed, I will continue to be relying on the federal government for a handout. Mr. Speaker, I would like to request more time to finish my statement. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Pokiak.

Calvin Pokiak

Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important that we have an agreement-in-principle for the resource revenue for the diamond mines and petroleum projects should the pipeline become a reality.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to respond to the concerns raised by the aboriginal groups and municipalities and general public for the needed funds to address the social impacts and infrastructure needs of all the Northwest Territories’ communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause