What benefits are going to be accrued? I suspect it would depend upon how well we negotiate and how well we become part of the process. That is the reason we are trying to get together with Minnova and the stakeholder groups. We need to develop a dialogue between the industry, between the government and between the stakeholder groups involved. The benefits, I suspect, could be numerous. There could be employment opportunities, equity opportunities for the aboriginal groups who will have land claims money and construction opportunities. There would be the opportunity to put significant public infrastructure in, whether it was a port in Coppermine or a highway. I could go on all day regarding the opportunities, Mr. Speaker. If I can quantify it in dollars at least initially the industry is looking at putting in $450 million and the infrastructure, again the numbers are not hard yet, would be somewhere between $400 to $600 million for the road and the port. We have to assume, if I may use that term, that there are going to be significant economic benefits derived, not only to the north but to Canada. It is certainly my intention to link into the process to ensure there is a dialogue ongoing and our interests are protected through discussion.
John Todd on Question 477-12(3): Financial Assistance For Izok Lake Deposit
In the Legislative Assembly on March 12th, 1993. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 477-12(3): Financial Assistance For Izok Lake Deposit
Question 477-12(3): Financial Assistance For Izok Lake Deposit
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 11th, 1993
Page 881
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.