Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for that excellent question. It is a concern to our government. That is the whole reason we entered into this agreement, a legal, binding agreement with BHP mines. We wanted to ensure that when this development happens in the Northwest Territories, it does benefit Northwest Territories residents as well as Northwest Territories businesses. In that socio-economic agreement, there is a higher percentage of labour when the mine is carrying out its operation than in the construction phase. There is still a percentage of labour that needs to be hired in the Northwest Territories and reside in the Northwest Territories. It is the responsibility of the Minister responsible for RWED to monitor that situation. Not only am I hearing the concern from the honourable Member across the House, I am hearing concerns from other people throughout the Northwest Territories on why they cannot get employment at this new mine that is being created in the Northwest Territories. I will take it upon myself to make sure that when Mr. Kakfwi arrives back in Yellowknife tomorrow, that I will direct him to send in whatever type of people he has to monitor that situation to check for health care cards, NWT driver's licence, and proof of NWT residence. We might as well make sure that everybody understands when we sign an agreement, we will live up to our part, we will honour and will be honourable, but we expect them to do the same, and if not, then they will deal with us. Thank you.
Don Morin on Question 462-13(4): Socio-economic Impact And Benefits Agreement
In the Legislative Assembly on March 5th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 462-13(4): Socio-economic Impact And Benefits Agreement
Question 462-13(4): Socio-economic Impact And Benefits Agreement
Item 6: Oral Questions
March 4th, 1997
Page 1113
Don Morin Tu Nedhe
See context to find out what was said next.