Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the most interesting challenges for governments throughout Canada and around the world is to define and maintain a good balance between economic and industrial development, and the protection of the environment. This is particularly challenging here in the north, as we have vast amounts of both natural resources and natural beauty.

I am pleased to report to Members that this government is making progress on the development of a "made in the north" Protected Areas Strategy aimed at finding the right balance that respects the needs of all northerners. The development of this Protected Areas Strategy follows through on a commitment made by this government in 1994, with the signing of the Whitehorse Mining Initiative Accord.

The accord expresses a strategic vision for mining in Canada. The signatories, including this government, with representatives of the mining industry, environmental groups, labour and some aboriginal organizations, made a commitment to advance its principles and goals. The accord is intended to establish a framework for dealing with issues related to mining in Canada in a co-operative and collaborative manner.

The Whitehorse Mining Initiative Leadership Council agreed to a number of principles and goals, one of which related to protected areas. The Leadership Council agreed

"protected area networks are essential contributors to environmental health, biological diversity, and ecological processes, as well as being a fundamental part of the sustainable balance of society, economy, and environment."

Mr. Speaker, they envisioned the development of a protected areas network based on the use of good science, taking into account appropriate economic, environmental and social information and consultation with stakeholders.

The accord covers much more than protected areas. The Leadership Council set a number of principles and goals, too numerous to list here. It should be noted though, that a number of initiatives being undertaken by this government fall within the principles and meet the goals established. As a matter of principle the signatories agreed that "access to land for exploration and development is a fundamental requirement for the industry".

This government agrees and is committed to collaborate with aboriginal organizations and the federal government to pursue continued industry access to lands. The protected areas strategy will further this commitment.

The participants in the Whitehorse Mining Initiative agreed in principle that "the mineral industry requires readily accessible investment capital on a globally competitive basis". We agree. This government is committed to improving the investment climate in the Northwest Territories. We are embarking on a regulatory reform initiative with the view to reducing regulations which create an unnecessary burden on the private sector. Regulations we have respecting the mineral industry will be reviewed as will others,

The Whitehorse Mining Initiative also recognizes that "the success of Canada's mining industry depends on the continuing availability of a skilled, well trained, and mobile workforce operating in a healthy and safe environment". The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment is preparing a labour force development strategy, to ensure that our northern workforce can take best advantage of these opportunities.

In summary, Mr. Speaker, we are working on initiatives, in addition to the protected areas strategy that represent follow through on the Whitehorse Mining Initiative. Those who signed the Whitehorse Mining Initiative Accord agreed that protected area networks are essential contributors to environmental health. So, how do we do it? We need a way to protect those areas northerners feel need protecting beyond that which can be done with general laws of application. The development of a protected areas strategy will formally begin in Inuvik at the conference on the week of March 3rd. The first order of business will be to meet with all users of the land and determine what steps are required to develop a territory wide strategy, to seek commitments to the development of the strategy and to identify people to work with us throughout the process. Representatives from all users of the land have been invited to participate.

Mr. Speaker, could I seek unanimous consent to continue to conclude my statement, please.