Mr. Speaker, it is probably worthwhile to point out that Giant Mine has stored underground, and has been storing since 1951, tons of arsenic; 264,000 tons of arsenic are stored underground in the chambers that have been excavated. Presently, the federal government is responsible for dealing with arsenic, and officials are presently reviewing what could be done to ensure that this toxic substance is stored in a way that it would not become a public hazard in the future.
The present company -- and there have been two or three changes of ownership in the last decade -- is watching that, I'm sure very carefully, to see what liabilities may result from that particular exercise. We have no interest in doing anything that would cause the owners to consider ceasing operations at Giant.
I share, with all Members, the deep concern for the environment. I have deep concern for the health of people. I also have a deep concern that we act responsibly in a way that does not disrupt the rather fragile economy of the city of Yellowknife and of this area in general. Having said that, it has been a great number of years that this government has existed and has not acted to do anything in coming up with guidelines or enforceable regulations to direct Giant to change their mode of operation or to govern themselves accordingly. It is this government and this Minister that has initiated initial moves to address that problem, and we're trying to do it in a way that respects the various interests of the parties involved. Thank you.