Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and to the Borg collective.
--- Laughter
These developments have serious implications for the Mackenzie Basin. If someone in Alberta or BC is pouring poison into our river, it is eventually going to show up on our doorstep here in the North. In order to protect our water, we need to look carefully at the studies recommendations and move quickly to implement those which will help to preserve this basin for the future use and enjoyment of northern residents.
Mr. Speaker, we need to protect the Mackenzie River system. One of the things that will help us do this is the Mackenzie River Basin master agreement, once it is signed by all parties. Our government, the federal government and Alberta have signed this agreement. However, this government needs to encourage British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the Yukon to endorse the agreement as soon as possible.
Mr. Speaker, the river system will need attention and protection to ensure its future. In the late 1980s, this government took a strong stand against pulp mill pollution. We need to continue to take action, both alone and in conjunction with our neighbours upstream, to ensure the clear, clean territorial lakes and rivers we rely on will be there for us in the years to come. Thank you.
--- Applause