Mr. Speaker, the northern presence was impressive, helping through our numbers to build interest in the north. The Yellowknife economic development authority presence was really well noted with a large polar bear fronting their booth, which attracted a lot of attention.

They were spreading the word about the north, too, not just Yellowknife.

---Applause

In fact, Mr. Speaker, I should point out that they had pictures of other communities in their display.

Mr. Speaker, a lot of good contacts were made by northerners, which hopefully will turn into economic contracts. Contacts happen from casual conversation on the conference floor, from direct approaches at display booths, or at formal meetings set up during the conference. I would like to commend the mayor of Yellowknife for ensuring Yellowknife's Dene representatives were included in the meeting set up by the mayor with people considering the potential for establishing an operation in the north.

Others, including myself, were invited by Mr. Zoe to a meeting at which the Dogrib Nation representatives discussed economic opportunities. So there was real cooperation between the broad cross-section of conference attendees from the north.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, I know that the mayor and members of the business community are very happy with the results of the conference and I am confident that we will see economic benefits for the north as a result of our participation as a group in this important conference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.