Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest challenges in the Northwest Territories is finding ways to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on the federal government.
With Ottawa's plans to cut $50 million out of our transfer payment next year, it is important to move very quickly to finalize a northern energy and minerals accord so that we can control the development of a more vibrant economy that will provide the revenues to support education, health care, housing and social problems for our rapidly growing population.
In addition, we have to work in partnership with industry and aboriginal organizations to develop mineral resources in a manner that puts the land to work for us to create jobs, business opportunities and revenues.
Those are some of the messages I presented during a speech to about 400 delegates attending a banquet at the annual Prospectors' and Developers' Association of Canada Conference in Toronto Monday night.
I also told the audience that northerners want to be self-sufficient and they want the respect and dignity that comes from being full and equal partners, contributing to the growth of Canada.
It was encouraging to see the industry's recognition of the north at this conference, as well as the active participation of a large contingent from the Northwest Territories that included: Energy Minister, John Todd; Nunatsiaq MP, Jack Anawak; representatives from the city of Yellowknife, town of Hay River, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated; the Dogrib Tribal Council and, of course, our own Susan Aglukark who provided the entertainment.
Representatives from the Legislative Assembly included Henry Zoe, Mike Ballantyne and Charles Dent.
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly important for the Northwest Territories to be represented at events such as this, in order for us to get our message to leading investors and developers.
Mining generates more value per capita in the Northwest Territories than any other province or territory, and the government is anxious to develop the economic potential of this sector in an environmentally sound and culturally sensitive way that will benefit all residents of the territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause