(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends) ... complex situation which is arising in my constituency. As I see it, there may be a possible conflict between Parks Canada's plan to consider a new national park at northern Bathurst Island and a strong expression of interest in those same lands for new ore reserves for Polaris Mine.

Parks Canada first expressed interest in the park in 1992. A study to look into whether a park should be feasible began in October 1995. The geological survey of Canada is also doing mineral and energy resource assistance of northern Bathurst Island. Many meetings have been held in Resolute Bay about these proposed developments. Many parties are getting involved: the federal departments; territorial departments; the Baffin Regional Inuit Association; and, Cominco, owner of Polaris Mine.

Lately, the Canadian Nature Federation and the World Wildlife Fund are getting involved. The community of Resolute Bay is in the ... (inaudible). It isn't surprising that there are differences of opinion within the community. There are some people, for example, who support the land withdrawal until the studies are completed. Others are concerned about how a new park might affect Polaris Mine. The president of Cominco has stated that Cominco would like to explore northern Bathurst Island because they want to find a new ore body before Polaris is out of ore.

The company says that a land withdrawal would prevent them from exploring the area. Natural Resources Canada is opposed to the land withdrawal as well. They would like to see this area of high mineral potential left open to exploration.

On the other hand, DIAND and Parks Canada support the land withdrawal. Recently, a position about land withdrawal has been referred to the Minister of DIAND, Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.