Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members will recall that at the last session of the Legislative Assembly I announced a new consultative process for mining safety legislation would take place under the auspices of a mining safety bill committee. This committee would have an independent chairperson who is knowledgeable in mining, two representatives from industry and one representative each from unionized and non-unionized labour.
In the Assembly last Friday, I mentioned that the NWT coalition of mining unions, comprising the United Steel Workers of America and the Canadian Association of Smelter and Allied Workers, had informed me that they would not participate on this committee. The coalition is firm in their belief that miners working in the remote fly-in mines outside of Yellowknife have no mandate to participate on the committee because they are not members of a union.
Mr. Speaker, I have extended the opportunity to participate to all groups who will be affected by new mining safety legislation. While I am very disappointed that the coalition will not participate, the mining safety bill committee must go forward. The need for a new mining safety act is crucial for the occupational health and safety of all those working in the mining industry. I have accepted the nominee from the Union of Northern Workers to represent organized labour on this committee. In the next day or two I will announce the full membership of the committee.
As you know, the Legislative Assembly has established a new legislative process which provides ample opportunities for the public to have input on proposed legislation while it is being reviewed by standing committees of this House. Mr. Speaker, this is in keeping with our aim of a more responsible and open government, which is expected of us by the citizens of the entire Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause