Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Diavik Diamond Mines and Dogrib Treaty 11 Council for the announcement that was made on Tuesday, February 3, 1998. I feel this cooperation agreement should demonstrate to other companies that if you talk to the aboriginal groups at the start of a venture and show they are an important part of the overall venture, success can and will be achievable.

It is important in this day and age that companies wanting to venture onto the traditional lands, must respect and cooperate with the aboriginal groups, to ensure a promising future and a healthy working relationship between all parties involved. It would be nice to see this government and the communities working in the same manner as the aboriginal groups and industry. With that I am sure that a long and healthy working relationship will grow from this cooperation agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause