Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Five years ago, the idea of North America's first diamond mine being located here in the NWT was a mere dream. Today it appears that such a mine is a definite possibility and one that I feel that this government, from the Premier's remarks yesterday, supports.

Before this mine can proceed, it must meet with the approval of the Environmental Assessment Review panel appointed by the federal government. This week the panel is here in Yellowknife, hearing views of many different people. Many of the presenters are northern residents sharing their ideas from technical, cultural, environmental and social points of view. Northerners are recognizing the potential of the possible diamond mine, but also reminding us of the importance of our land, the wildlife and the environment.

The panel has also heard from groups outside of the Territories; in particular, my attention was drawn to the comments by a member of an Australian environmental group advising northerners who to listen to and what to believe. As I listened to the remarks, Mr. Speaker, I kept thinking of others who have told northerners what is best for them; in particular, the North has struggled as a result of those in southern Canada and in Europe who know better than us about the fur industry, about what is humane and what is not humane. These groups or individuals have taken trapping as a way of life from many northerners and cannot be allowed to influence northerners regarding a potential economic means to survive in the event of a complete ban of fur products.

Mr. Speaker, while the experiences of others can be valid, we live in a unique part of the world and have unique ways of doing business. I believe the environmental panel, which includes northerners, will focus on the concerns and issues of northerners, rather than advice from those in other parts of the world who think they know what is good for us.

I hope the panel will make recommendations which will help northerners and BHP build a long and prosperous future together, one which will benefit the people of the Northwest Territories as well as the company. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause