Mr. Speaker. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development came into existence on August 19. This new department combines the functions formerly carried out by the departments of Renewable Resources, Economic Development and Tourism and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
Although the three departments have been merged into one, the new department is more than the sum of its parts. The amalgamation was not a takeover of two departments by another but rather a marriage of three units that had complementary and overlapping responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to repeat the vision statement of the new department because it clearly defines the objectives of the new department:
"A prosperous, diverse economy built on the strengths of our people and the wise use and conscientious protection of our natural resources -- one which attracts investment and provides communities and individuals with opportunities to be productive and self reliant. Our children will inherit a secure future, which provides a healthy environment and which balances traditional lifestyles with a modern economy."
This vision recognizes that natural resources have always been the basis of our economy. Our future depends on natural resources. The Department promotes sustainable development of natural resources, and therefore must manage and protect the condition, the quality, diversity, and abundance of resources and the condition and the quality of environment.
However, Mr. Speaker, during the last three decades, government has been the main engine of economic growth. Fiscal realities dictate that this must change. The private sector will have to be relied upon to create the new jobs we need now and in the future. Government will encourage, promote and be supportive.
We must work together to expand our economy to create opportunities for those who are unemployed now and for those who will come after us. We need a prosperous and diverse economy that is built on the strengths of the people here and on the wise use and conscientious protection of our natural resources. We need an expanding economy which will provide communities and individuals with opportunities to be productive and self reliant - to be able to support families and a satisfactory quality of life.
Mr. Speaker, the Department is up and running. The 1997-98 Business Plan is being written. Staffing actions are underway.
Putting the department together has been a major undertaking taking many hours, week days and weekends. Extensive consultations have been carried out with stakeholders -- aboriginal groups, the mining industry, resource management boards, municipal authorities and environmental groups. Many of their recommendations and comments will result in changes to the final departmental establishing policy and departmental programs and services.
The restructuring has created some uncertainty for staff, who have in spite, carried on with their regular assignments, as well as, additional work generated by this process.
Even with this uncertainty, there is no decrease in the level of service to residents of the Northwest Territories. This reflects well on the dedication and professionalism of our staff and is indicative of the high levels of service Northerners will receive in the future.
Thank you very much.