Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that we have all acknowledged that the diamond industry, which is new to the Northwest Territories and to Canada, has untold financial resources available for all Canadians in the form of royalties. It is estimated the BHP project alone can generate $2.5 billion for all Canadians. I understand and accept that part of the responsibility for ensuring that Canada gets a good royalty regime from the diamond industry lies in the hands of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. It will be important that the mining regulations, which are being presently worked on, have enough teeth to ensure that all Canadians do get the resources that this development will bring in the form of royalties. I recognize, Mr. Speaker, this is a national issue and it may not have the calibre of exposure. I think it should and that is what we are trying to raise here in the Northwest Territories. I am wondering if the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development could advise this House if he has any knowledge as to the number of people the federal department has working on this important issue in advising the Minister. Does he know the number of people employed and working on this initiative? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Seamus Henry on Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
In the Legislative Assembly on October 24th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Question 26-13(5): Diamond Mining Regulations
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 23rd, 1997
Page 180
Seamus Henry Yellowknife South
See context to find out what was said next.