Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some things never change, Mr. Speaker, and it appears to me that this probably still applies to the unacceptable level of sulphur dioxide originating from the Giant Mine smokestacks. Yellowknifers have had to put up with uncertainty and some degree of fear related to the quality of air we've been breathing here in this city since the 1970s. It's a lot like shadow boxing, living with Yellowknife's air quality. It is hard to prove who the bad guy is and even when we finally get some real concrete evidence, it takes far too long to find workable solutions.
In the meantime, we Yellowknifers are almost forced to continue this balancing act, weighing questions that may affect people's health against a fear of job losses and further economic decline. Mr. Speaker, in February 1990, I asked the then Minister of Renewable Resources when we could expect the application of a monitoring system to measure emissions coming from heavy industry in this city. The Minister assured me that the matter would be taken under advisement. A recent document circulated by that same department states that sulphur dioxide, SO2, has been monitored in downtown Yellowknife since 1992. The point I am making, Mr. Speaker, is not directed towards any individual, but is directed to the length of time that it has taken to make progress in this important matter.
I am not convinced that the progress we have made is good enough for the people in this city. The latest reports I have read state that dust continues to be a problem. Ten samples of total suspended particles show levels above the NWT 24-hour air quality standard. Arsenic levels showed an increase over the previous few years and SO2 is still too high. Would health and environmental authorities in southern Canada, the United States or western European countries accept these kinds of findings? I am not so sure other population centres would be so patient as we have been.
In fall fairness, I understand that this is a difficult situation. That, aside from questions of health, involves the complex issue related to industrial profitability, shareholders' returns and job security. There are no easy answers.
Having said that, however...Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude.