Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The western Arctic can expect significant petroleum exploration and development activity during this coming winter.

I recently visited Fort Liard and was very impressed by both the number of opportunities available from exploration activity and the energy vigour with which the community is pursuing them. Fort Liard is not only benefiting from drilling activity near the community, the band has also recently signed a contract with AEC West to provide camp services to the company's BC drilling program near Max Harnish Lake. This activity is providing jobs and business opportunities to residents of Fort Liard and to those of other Deh Cho communities.

The Sahtu also expect significant exploration activity this winter. Both AEC West and Grey Wolf Exploration will conduct seismic exploration in the area. This will generate about 500 weeks of work. Murphy Oil will continue drilling on its lands near Norman Wells and I am expecting further announcements of work in the very near future. In the Mackenzie Delta, the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation will continue work on the Ikhis Gas Project. This project, valued at $35 million, will generate 350 person years of employment over its term.

Mr. Speaker, the petroleum future of the western Arctic is very bright indeed. This industry continues to show promise as a major component in our economy. In order for Northwest Territories residents and businesses to rightfully take advantage of that potential, we will continue to insist that northerners have greater control of the benefits that result from oil, gas and mining development. Thank you.

--Applause