Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this is a month late, but it is essential to make sure we all report and become accountable. This is in regard to my trip in January to London and Antwerp. I recently lead a small delegation to London and Antwerp to meet with diamentaires who may play a significant role in the development of the diamond industry in the Northwest Territories and Canada. The diamentaires included companies and consultants from BHP Diamonds and Dia Met, Diavik, and Aber Resources, the Central Selling Organization and De Beers, and potential government diamond valuators.

The NWT and Canada are becoming players in the diamond world, and the NWT is seen by many as playing a key role in this unique global industry. It is important for the Government of the Northwest Territories to obtain opinions and information directly from those in the industry, rather than through the filter of the federal government in Ottawa. While we obtained a variety of perspectives and opinions, we feel we were also able to confirm our position on a number of issues.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things we have learned is that the valuation of rough diamonds is not a science. Rather, it is subjective because government valuation involves a degree of negotiation, supported by diamond experience, skill and knowledge. This is a new Canadian industry, Mr. Speaker, and it is imperative that if we err, we err on the side of caution. I am now even more convinced that a full and detailed sorting facility is required off of the mine site in a NWT community.

We also learned that sorting for market is an essential step, usually undertaken by the producer, in the process of selling diamonds. The level or detail of sorting for market depends on how and to whom the diamonds are sold. If diamonds are to be sold in the Northwest Territories, the amount of sorting for market will be done here and it will depend on how the diamonds are being sold. It must be recognized that the decision on how to sell the diamonds rests with the producer.

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In addition, trained workers, a favourable regulatory and tax environment and capital financing were all mentioned by existing diamond manufacturers as factors that must be examined.

We must also recognize that to develop a viable northern diamond manufacturing industry will take time and dedication. We need to develop the skills, the knowledge and the technology to compete with diamond manufacturing centres around the world. We must develop the proper environment to attract existing diamond manufacturers, and we must provide the necessary support to northerners who wish to enter into the diamond business.

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This trip to London and Antwerp gave our NWT delegation an opportunity to directly discuss our concerns and aspirations in detail with diamond valuators, dealers and manufacturers. The trip also allowed us to meet with individuals whose advice and input has been used by the federal government in the development of their positions and policies.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Public Works. Given the recent discussions in this House on the matter of the Lahm Ridge Tower, I would like to ask the Minister if there are any new developments in the discussions between the Denendeh Development Corporation and the Minister's department on the DDC's initiative to purchase the Laing Building and the Stuart Hodgson Building?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of the Lahm Ridge Tower deal which took a matter of days to come up with that arrangement, the Denendeh Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Gwich'in Development Corporation, have been spending years approaching this government, the Department of Public Works, to look at the possibility of acquiring real estate in Yellowknife. They have been talking, putting proposals...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to my supplementary question, can the Minister tell me, in light of the Denendeh Development Corporation's ongoing discussions it has with this government, which has been going on for over a year along with the Gwich'in Development Corporation, when does he feel these discussions will be concluded so they will know exactly what the arrangements are so they can go forth in regard to coming up with the financial arrangements to acquire these assets?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the time it has taken to date, I would like to ask the Minister, why has this arrangement taken years? Yet, in regard to the Lahm Ridge Tower, it was just a matter of months? Why is there such a discretion between an aboriginal organization coming forth to this government versus a contractor, such as in the case of the Lahm Ridge Tower?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the aboriginal organizations have the same opportunity to acquire long-term leases such as in the case of the Lahm Ridge Tower, where it was a ten-year lease extension? Will they have the same opportunity in acquiring these government assets?