Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I would like to echo the statements just made by the Premier. This project will indeed benefit the economy of the Northwest Territories. Madam Speaker, let me first acknowledge the support of the Honourable Premier and Members of the Executive and all my other colleagues in this House for this project. On behalf of Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and members of the Dogrib Nation, it is my privilege to thank you all, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the various territorial and federal government officials who have worked on this project.

The model of cooperation developed is indeed an example of the public, private and aboriginal partnership in sustainable, responsible and people-centred development that the Dogrib Nation has been working hard to promote.

Madam Speaker, as the Honourable Premier mentioned earlier, the Snare cascades is only the first phase of the two-phase project. This project is an important cornerstone in the Dogrib Nation's strategic plan to solidify our economic security. It is also a project that will significantly benefit the Northwest Territories as a whole.

We look forward to working with you and your Cabinet colleagues, Madam Premier, on the next phase of the project and, indeed, on other important initiatives that lead to the development of the economy of the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, it would be difficult to name all the people who deserve recognition for their role in this project. On behalf of the Dogrib Nation, we want to thank them all and, once again, thank Madam Premier and her colleagues for their support. Weather permitting, Madam Speaker, there will be a ground-breaking ceremony at the Snare Cascades site on Wednesday, October 12th at 10:00 am, to which we would like to invite you all. Mahsi.

---Applause