Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week we celebrated Mining Week, and one of the important events capping off the week is always the NWT mine rescue competition. This year, the competition was won by the team from Miramar Con Mine, which I'm happy to mention is also the mine located in my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the members of that mine rescue team, in particular, and all mine rescue teams for being ready when disaster strikes. It takes special dedication to be part of a mine rescue team.
Mr. Speaker, mining is probably the most important economic activity in the Northwest Territories. It currently provides large numbers of jobs, but probably most important, it offers the best potential for creating more jobs and new wealth for northerners.
Recently, an environmental group, with their tongue firmly in cheek, nominated the Premier for the mining hall of fame, accusing her government of opening the door to business; in particular, to mining companies. Mr. Speaker, being open for business is nothing to be ashamed of. Without businesses making profits, there would be no taxes to finance the operations of government. With federal grants being cut, for us to maintain important services like education and health care, more and more we must find ways to increase our own source revenues. One way to do that is to increase the numbers of businesses and jobs in the Northwest Territories.
In the short term, Mr. Speaker, the non-renewable resource sector offers us the best opportunity. If we can get everyone onside for the northern accord and successfully conclude that deal, we will be particularly well situated to ensure benefits for northerners.
Mr. Speaker, I don't think though that being open for business means the environmental concerns cannot be taken very seriously. My colleagues in this Legislature are very much aware of the importance of the land and the wildlife it sustains, and would not allow unmitigated development to take place. Mr. Speaker, no one in this House has suggested circumventing the environmental review process.
Being open for business has more to do with an attitude which recognizes that we need businesses to be successful in order to provide jobs and taxes, and then making sure government is not erecting unnecessary roadblocks. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.