Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return an oral question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen in September 22, 1998, with respect to the Economic Strategy Initiatives.

The Economic Strategy Initiative which might more accurately be defined as an Investment North Initiative, the GNWT is taking the coordinated approach to addressing economic challenges and pursuing economic opportunities with the purpose of improving economic conditions in the NWT and achieving a better lifestyle for northerners.

The issue is not how many of the initiatives are tied to the strategy, pardon me, the issue is not how many of the initiatives that are tied to the strategy are directly dependant upon the strategy for funding. This, I believe, is what my colleague, the Member for Hay River is asking, with the implication that the cost of the strategy can only be justified if each of its components is dependant upon the strategy for funding.

The comprehensive strategy will demonstrate to the federal government why it is in their interest to support our desire for a new fiscal relationship. If, for example, we are successful through this strategy in increasing our access to the resource tax window, it is conservatively estimated that this has the capacity to increase revenues to the NWT by $20 to $30 million dollars on an annual basis. This single initiative alone has the capacity to provide an excellent return on the small, one-time investment of $390,000 for the strategy. It cannot be achieved without demonstrating how it is tied into the other efforts underway to improve our economic picture.

The issue is that we are taking an integrated approach combining existing and new initiatives in an attempt to demonstrate to the federal government that we have the ability to overcome sectoral thinking, to think and act holistically, and that we have the capacity to make programs more responsive to the needs of northerners. Many GNWT departments already have a variety of economic programs and new initiatives underway. An overall long-term economic development strategy will provide a way to improve coordination and identify gaps or needed shifts.

The strategy, when approved by the Cabinet, will aid us in discussions related to a number of issues including Formula Financing, taxation, regulation, infrastructure development, as well as other initiatives to stimulate the northern economy. It will give us the information we need to improve our services to residents of the NWT and information required to identify priorities and commitments needed to improve confidence in the NWT economy and encourage increased levels of investment.

If we are successful in this endeavour, the reward will be a redefined fiscal relationship with the federal government. This will place more responsibilities for our destiny in the hands of northerners and give us at this point, at least the best opportunity we have, to achieve the fiscal capacity required to continue to meet the demands of constituents in the coming years. Thank you.