Mahsi...(English not provided)...my colleagues from the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council were kindly invited to join the Premier, the president of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the chairman of the Power Corporation board on a tour of two of the most significant developments under way in the north at this time. We were planning to visit BHP's diamond project at their Koala camp and the Snare Cascades power project. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, due to bad weather, the tour had to be postponed.
This past weekend, however, we were again presented with the opportunity to make the trip and visit these two sites. I was very impressed with the progress that has been made on both of these development initiatives, Mr. Speaker, and I was particularly encouraged by the Snare Cascades project. I was able to talk to several of my constituents who were employed at the site, and it was evident that the economic benefits of both of these projects are being realized in a variety of ways. It is important to remember, Mr. Speaker, responsible economic development is dependent on continuing goodwill and partnership between industry, government and the people of the north.
Projects such as these, if they are approached in a cooperative manner and take into account all of the environmental, social and economic impacts, will provide for a better future for all northern residents. Efforts to develop our resources responsibly will empower our people and give us the ability to shape our own destiny in the very near future.
On behalf of my constituents and the representatives who travelled with me from the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, I would like to thank the Premier and both the president and chairman of the Power Corporation for their invitation. We appreciate being able to participate in such an interesting and informative tour. I would also like to acknowledge the generous hospitality of our hosts, which serves to illustrate the cooperative nature of these developments.
Mr. Speaker, we must continue to forge rewarding partnership between government, business, industry and aboriginal people if we are to continue on the road to environmental, social and economic health and prosperity. Mahsi.
---Applause