Mahsi. Mr. Speaker, this government has made job creation a number one priority and we plan to develop economic opportunities in the territories, but we also plan to do it in a manner that respects the environment. I am frequently approached by people who ask how the land will be protected while we carry on with industrial development. They emphasize that critical areas for wildlife and places of cultural importance are needed to sustain people in the north. These areas offer a source of subsistence and a substitute for imported goods as well as continuing link with our culture.
To safeguard the areas we value, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government committed to developing a Protected Area Strategy. This document will outline a procedure once it is developed for identifying special areas of land and how they would be used. I am pleased to report that the strategy is progressing. The processes required to develop and implement a Protected Area Strategy are complex. Extensive consultation, coordination and cooperation are required. We recognize that the development of the strategy cannot proceed without the involvement of all land owners and land users.
The consultation process is ongoing and in order to facilitate discussions with aboriginal groups, I have written recently to all aboriginal leaders requesting meetings to discuss how the strategy can best be developed in each of their respective jurisdictions. I believe the Protected Area Strategy is of benefit to everyone in the north and we will gain much more by working together.
Some regions are moving faster than others. For example, the Gwich'in settlement area planning boards are jointly sponsoring a session in November to help identify potential protected areas. We have had inquiries from the South Slave region and interest has also been expressed from the Deh Cho region.
To support development of the strategy, the Department of Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development is researching and sharing information with land claim organizations and communities. Identifying potential protected areas is not a simple matter because protected areas are not just nature reserves. They include areas which have cultural and spiritual significance. By working together, we can protect the areas which are important to us and at the same time pass on a legacy to future generations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do have another statement if I can continue. Thank you.