Thank you, Madam Chair. It is my pleasure to present the comments of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development regarding this department. Yesterday, we presented some general comments on the three departments of Economic Development and Tourism, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Renewable Resources. However, we also had some specific comments regarding the Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

The committee was uncomfortable with the unequal distribution of resources from this department. Although its budget is relatively small, Members noted that the largest part was to be spent in the headquarters area. The committee feels that non-renewable resource opportunities exist throughout the Northwest Territories and hopes that, through the amalgamation of ED&T, EM&PR and Renewable Resources, funding and expertise ran be more equitably distributed amongst the regions; thus encouraging community-based initiatives. Thank you, Madam Chair.