Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yellowknife residents have been concerned for many years about air pollution. I am pleased to advise you of steps that are being taken to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from local sources in Yellowknife and throughout the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will immediately initiate public consultation on draft regulations to control air emissions from gold roasters. The draft gold roaster discharge control regulations will provide enforceable tools that the Department of Renewable Resources can use to protect our environment from harmful effects caused by the emission of sulphur dioxide. The draft regulations complement the territorial air quality guideline established in 1994 which identifies levels of sulphur dioxide that should not be exceeded in order to prevent environmental and human health problems.

The draft regulations will require all gold roasting operations, including Miramar Con and the Giant Yellowknife Mine, to report their sulphur dioxide emissions. Sulphur dioxide emissions from the Giant Yellowknife Mine will not be allowed to rise above current rates, and changes to their roaster stack will provide significant reductions in air pollution levels. Within 10 years, sulphur dioxide emissions from the Giant roaster would have to be reduced by 90 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that these draft regulations are being distributed to stakeholders for consultation. Members of the public may also obtain copies from the Department of Renewable Resources. Once consultation has been completed, the regulations will be revised and implemented. We are confident that industry can comply with these regulations without affecting their economic viability.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure all Members of this House that this government is serious about protecting the health of our environment and constituents in a manner that still encourages economic development to proceed. Mahsi.

--- Applause