Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a few comments about the need which exists to fast track development in the mining sector, in order to ensure an equitable economic base across the Northwest Territories. The honourable Members are already aware that mineral production currently accounts for 75 per cent of the value of goods produced in the Northwest Territories and over 25 per cent of the gross domestic product. There are vast opportunities which have yet to be realized.
A 1988 study carried out by Dr. Brian MacKenzie of the Centre for Resource Studies at Queen's University, concluded that the economic potential of base metal mining in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories is significantly greater than in southern Canada. Now is the time when this government should be putting its emphasis on the development of our promising mining potential. Now is the time when we should be moving forward to collect necessary scientific information, work towards the transfer and development of northern technology and to do our best to attract investors.
Focusing on mineral development is especially important to my constituency, the Kitikmeot, and to my honourable colleague from North Slave. In the Government Leader's June 16 announcement on the new directions decentralization initiative, she said it contained something for everyone, except the North Slave and the Kitikmeot. The Government Leader commented that she would be trying to maximize the benefits associated with mineral development. She stated, and I quote, "If transportation and energy infrastructure can be developed, the Northwest Territories can be the most exciting mining region in the world and the employment and economic development opportunities will be enormous."
I will be asking the appropriate Minister today what progress has been made in building this infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.