Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is concerning a diamond valuation and sorting plant.

However, it seems the government may be overlooking an obvious bonanza. The way it is now, our companies are going to throw our diamonds into a bag and send them to Antwerp or where ever.

We need a diamond evaluation and sorting plant in Yellowknife. That would create jobs for northerners, it would also bring the diamond industry to the north. If rough diamonds are left here, diamond purchasers would have to come here to purchase diamonds. In fact, Yellowknife could become the diamond centre of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this government has spent millions of dollars on projects that require ongoing funding. A diamond evaluation and sorting plant would not require ongoing funding, in fact, it has a potential to start an economy of it's own. If we are successful in negotiating the Northern Accord, we could get taxes in kind.

Governments of Russia and Africa now keep 10 to 15 percent of the diamonds that are harvested instead of getting taxes and royalties. Their people then add value to the rough diamonds in the form of rings, watches, and such things. And, in fact, create more jobs in subsidiary industries. This could happen here as well. Such a plan could also ensure that we know how many diamonds that come out of the ground. Maybe this is not so important now, because we do not get the royalties, but once we conclude the Northern Accord, it would be very important.

Mr. Speaker, this land is rich in resources, unfortunately we usually export our raw resources and then import finished products made from resources. This is one time we do not have to let our resources leave the north without value added. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.