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...