Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you Members.

WHEREAS the situation at the Royal Oak mine in Yellowknife has worsened considerably since the strike commenced on May 22nd;

AND WHEREAS the 50-member RCMP tactical unit and the eight member emergency response team were used on June 14th;

AND WHEREAS several injuries, damage to property and additional criminal charges resulted;

AND WHEREAS there is no reason to believe that the tension, threats of violence and actual violence will lessen over the coming days and weeks in light of the continuing impasse and the use of replacement workers;

AND WHEREAS the federal government has legal jurisdiction and obligation over labour in the NWT;

AND WHEREAS our government has strongly urged the federal Minister of Labour to introduce legislation mandating arbitration in the event of the failure of the efforts of the mediator;

AND WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada is due to recess for the summer on Friday, June 19th;

AND WHEREAS with an all-party agreement, the Government of Canada could draft and secure passage of binding arbitration and legislation;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that this Legislative Assembly request the federal Minister of Labour to immediately take the necessary steps to introduce and secure passage of binding arbitration legislation concerning the Royal Oak mine strike in Yellowknife;

AND FURTHER, that the Speaker transmit this resolution to the federal Minister of Labour, the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada and the Parliament of Canada.