Mining Initiatives In North Slave Region

In the Legislative Assembly on March 4th, 1994. See this topic in context.

Mining Initiatives In North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to discuss mining and economic development in the Northwest Territories, and specifically in the North Slave area. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Economic Development has already made numerous statements in this House about the importance of mining to the economic development of the north and about the many potential benefits of the new projects planned for the area. My honourable colleague for Yellowknife North and my other colleagues from Yellowknife have also made similar statements.

Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib people are presently pursuing a number of initiatives related to mining activity. The resolution of land claims in the area will help provide a stable climate for mining companies to plan their developments. Dialogue between the Dogrib Nation and companies such as BHP, Kennecott, Royal Oak and so forth are under way, in order to maximize employment and other opportunities for the people of the region.

Mr. Speaker, of course, there is the Dogrib Power Corporation, with its plan to build a hydro station on their land. This project can help the future of mining in the region by providing abundant and inexpensive power to mining projects in the area. It would certainly be a more environmentally-friendly source of power than diesel generators...

Mining Initiatives In North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

March 3rd, 1994

Page 536

An Hon. Member

Hear, hear.

Mining Initiatives In North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

Henry Zoe

Henry Zoe North Slave

...which is what mines would have to use otherwise. Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib Nation is doing everything in its power to become self-reliant, to give its people opportunities to grow and prosper and I'm confident that the Dogrib people will prosper if they are given the opportunity to achieve their goals and objectives.

Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib people cannot do it alone. They need the assistance of our government to help them meet their goals. I'm confident that the government agrees with me that self-reliance is an important goal for the Dogrib Nation and I encourage the government to undertake the necessary initiatives to help the Dogrib people achieve their self-reliance. Mahsi.

---Applause

Mining Initiatives In North Slave Region
Item 3: Members' Statements

Page 536

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.