Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell, on December 8, regarding the type of expertise shared with other groups.
The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has commissioned a series of studies on the mineral industry. The Northwest Territories mining statistics survey, 1990-92, NWT business opportunities and non-resident worker study.
Drafts of these studies have been received by the department. These drafts will be finalized within the month.
I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Arngna'naaq on December 8 concerning transfer of EM&PR positions to the east.
The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is very small and has few program responsibilities.
No transfers have been made to the east to date. With the devolution of minerals from the federal government, the department would acquire significantly greater responsibilities and person-years. Although the number and location of staff to handle such functions as mining records and district geologists cannot be determined at this time, they do lend themselves to being decentralized. Minerals staff would be located in the east, following devolution.