Thank you, Madam Chair. As I said in my statement today, a very complicated situation is arising in my constituency. There may be a possible conflict between Parks Canada's plans to consider a new national park on north Bathurst Island and Cominco's strong expression of interest in that same island. The issue involves Renewable Resources, in particular, the Perry Caribou; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources because the future of major territorial mines is involved; and Economic Development and Tourism because of the economic importance of the mines to the region and even the territorial economy as a whole.
I find it most interesting, Madam Chair, that the new Minister of the future Department of Sustainable Development is being asked by me to comment on an issue which involves exactly what I understand sustainable development is proposed to be. I believe that our land is like a bank which contains the rich deposit of the renewable resources on which we depend. If we looked at our finances this way, then whatever decisions are taken, development must ensure that the rich, never-ending resource on which the aboriginal culture depends for its expression, survival and enhancement is not tampered with.
This goes almost without saying; however, Madam Chair, we almost must realize that in the current financial climate in the NWT and Canada, mines which operate on our lands also make an important contribution to the quality of life in our communities. They provide employment opportunities, transportation, communication and other facilities. They pay taxes to the territorial treasury. Frankly, I would be concerned if I learned the mines in Nanisivik or Little Cornwallis Island -- both of which exist in my constituency - were to be shut down, especially if it was due to lack of ore. I know that we are blessed with rich mineral resources in the Northwest Territories and on Baffin Island. I believe there are probably a lot of unexplored mineral deposits in our region. We should make sure that if we are to make decisions on these important development issues, we are given all the facts.
I also believe that it is particularly important that the views of the residents of those communities should be the advice which is listened to first by the governments. My constituents have the biggest interest in making sure that the land remains unspoiled. These are the lands and waters on which they depend for their traditional livelihood and way of life. They can be trusted to make the right decisions. Is the Minister aware of these issues?