Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is on the BHP Project and the Impact Benefit Agreements with the land owners, the Aboriginal people, in this area. As you all know, some time ago the federal government indicated that they would approve the development permits for BHP if there was substantial movement on Impact Benefit Agreements. Talking to the Aboriginal leadership, I understand that there is not very much being offered, Mr. Speaker. The BHP people stand to make in the order of $300-500 million per year and perhaps a lot more. The governments, federal and territorial, stand to make $100 million a year. The Aboriginal governments will be making peanuts or will receive basically peanuts in relation to this.

The people have been working hard to try to achieve some sort of an agreement, but what they are being offered, Mr. Speaker, they cannot sell to the people. This is more than one group that I have talked to. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the federal government cannot subjectively say there has been substantial movement just because the two sides are at the table.

I also believe it is the responsibility of this particular government to ensure that IBAs are fair and equitable. I believe if there is no agreement soon then this government should press the federal government to give a few more days, a couple of months or whatever is needed so they can work out some agreement without the Minister interceding and saying yes that is it. Thank you.