Mr. Speaker, you can say that we are being somewhat optimistic, but the fact remains, Mr. Speaker, that there is a tremendous interest at the present time in the mining industry in the Northwest Territories, there has been an expression of interest in a gas pipe line in the Northwest Territories. There has been, to our pleasure, acceptance by aboriginal organizations, and I would stress, the Dogrib being receptive to proposals that are put before them, with regards to, as we have heard recently, the hydroelectric projects they are looking at right now. The climate is changing. People in the Northwest Territories are saying that they are open to business. We are getting a better climate for joint ventures. Consequently, we are forecasting that there will be more investment in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I should say that investment, although it may not all come from southern Canada, will be largely from the south, and it has been made clear to those companies that are anticipating benefits from the Northwest Territories, that it must be done on northerners terms. That northerners must be employed, that there must be spin offs to northern companies and that there should be some financial involvement of people in the north, in the large scale ventures.
Although we are forecasting a six percent increase, if those people who want to do business up here from the south, do not comply with our rules, we may not see that increase. Hopefully with today's climate, with everybody willing to sit around the table and discuss these things, we can go ahead, and we will get more investment in the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.