Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories is prepared to provide training bodies to companies that are interested in setting up cutting and polishing operations in the Northwest Territories. The companies would be first required, of course, to acquire an agreement with BHP or another diamond mine in the north to access diamonds of the quality they require over an extended period of time. That would ensure that they have something to work with.
The company should show a sufficient commitment to set up operations, that is, they make some sort of a financial commitment, business commitment to set up shop here in the north and a commitment that would show a benefit to the north in terms of training, employment and an establishment of a business here in the north. Then, as we have said, we would help by doing a number of things. One, we would help with training monies plus providing of support for the training through Mr. Dent's office. We would in cases, help with some sort of a contribution to ensure that a business gets established here. It may take the form of a contribution to acquire equipment which is very expensive in this type of business.
We would also assist in helping these companies get the necessary information together, so they can make realistic business proposals and cost projections. It would also be possible for us to provide to them information on the type of land and facilities, office space, for instance, that are available in the north, whether it be in Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith or other communities where they may be interested in possibly setting up operations. Thank you.