Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will give this minister's statement on behalf of Mr. Kakfwi. On Wednesday, Mr. Kakfwi had the honour of speaking at the opening of the 24th annual Geoscience Forum now underway in Yellowknife. The forum is a major mining event, where the mineral industry can showcase its work, and raise issues of importance and concern.

The three day conference is organized by the NWT Chamber of Mines. Participants include over 300 members of the geological and mining fraternity, ranging from Baker Lake prospectors to presidents of major mining companies, all of whom are instrumental in mining and exploration activity in the Northwest Territories.

1996 has been a dramatic year for the northern mining industry and the excitement will continue to grow as the NWT's first diamond mine moves closer to production. The mineral industry, and the economic opportunities it provides, are crucial to the economic future of the Northwest Territories. There is potential for more activity as prospectors continue to search out new wealth. Mr. Kakfwi took note that some of the prospectors exploring the land, such as those from Baker Lake who are attending the Geoscience Forum, have been trained in the communities with the prospector training support offered by the department.

Geoscience work, like wildlife and habitat research, is an important part of the GNWT's research activities and an important ingredient in the development of resource management plans. Research that we do is also a key tool to encourage economic growth. As a result of work done in the late 1980's by a GNWT geologist in the Bathurst Inlet area, industry took a closer look at the region. Today BHP minerals is taking a bulk sample from the Boston Gold Property.

Issues of importance to the mineral industry are also presented and discussed at the Geoscience Forum. Departmental Staff will be speaking about the development of a protected areas strategy for the NWT, a process in which the mineral industry will be involved. The strategy, when completed, will enhance our ability to manage all resources, renewable and non-renewable, and provide greater clarity on the availability of land and mineral development.

Mr. Kakfwi looks forward to seeing the proceedings from the Geoscience Forum, and he wishes the industry the best in the coming year. Thank you.

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