I don't have much more to say. But I think the comment has been made -- I believe it was by Mr. Lewis -- about other opportunities for revenue. At this point in time, yes, we don't have many opportunities or options to put more revenue into the coffers of the Northwest Territories.
If we encourage development, we're penalized. I believe this is one of the areas we have to address as quickly as possible, even if we can find some kind of interim arrangement with the federal government. We have great opportunities in the development of the mining industry but it has got to be on our terms. It has to be on the basis of what we get out of it. We've tried to work with them in a cooperative manner, but I don't think that we, as a Cabinet, -- or us, as a Legislative Assembly -- can sit back and not make sure those benefits accrue to Northwest Territories residents.
I realize that in the Izok Lake area land claims have a priority in certain areas. But, overall, I believe that if they are taking our resources, we've got to get something out of it. I've worked a great deal with the mining industry but they'll only act in a way that legislation tells them to. So, we'll stick to the areas where they feel they can best move in. However, I would like to say that they have changed in attitude somewhat. But, I don't think we're in the driver's seat at this time.
In other areas like the defence policy, I believe there has to be enough concern raised that we have to find a way of dealing with this issue as well. Overall, Mr. Chairman, I believe that what I try not to do, as your Government Leader, is think that things can just be done by Cabinet. We've integrated many things and changed many things because the Members of the Legislative Assembly and its committees feel that there is a different way to do it.
I hope we continue to work on that relationship because I don't believe that 24 of us, with all the time we can put into it, will accomplish all the things we want to accomplish. But, we should give it a very good try. We, as Cabinet, can't do it alone. We have tried to change, as people feel there are important areas we have to address.
In terms of land claims, it is just not land claims. People can have a land claim -- I have more experience than anyone in telling you that anyone can sign a document -- but it is how you implement it that counts. You can't do that yourself. Claimant groups can't do that themselves, they need cooperative support to implement their claim.
Mr. Chairman, I allowed some of the Ministers to make the responses for some of the areas that are particular to their portfolios, if you don't mind. Thank you.