Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to share some information in this House on the results of a survey which was conducted by the Fraser Institute. The survey was given to Canadian mining companies operating in Canada to evaluate each province and territory in the areas of the industry, including mineral potential and government policy, then combine these results and provides an overall rating for attractiveness for investment.
Mr. Speaker, results of this survey are very important if we are to nurture and promote the mining industry in the north. Not surprising, the mining companies surveyed indicated the NWT has the highest mineral potential in Canada. Of course, Mr. Speaker, we already knew that. So how do we rate with our policies and attractiveness to investors? Mining companies rated us second to lowest in terms of our government policies on attracting new exploration investment. Unfavourable policies are increasingly threatening new exploration, even here in the north, where we have the most attractive mining potential in Canada. Alberta, on the other hand, has the highest government policy rating with mining companies. These companies believe policies of the Alberta government encourage new exploration and are also considered neutral. It also indicated that anti-business policy climates deter investment and reduce economic growth.
Mr. Speaker, how attractive is the NWT for investment by the Canadian mining companies? When we take into account, our government policies and our mineral potential, the NWT is sitting second from the bottom of the heap. What can be learned from this, Mr. Speaker? I suggest that we look seriously at our current government policies and regulations with the intent of simplifying the process mining companies must go through in the north. We must also eliminate the uncertainty that companies have about investing in exploration and any future investment prospects by providing clear and solid means in which we can allow these private companies to grow and prosper in the north. We must act now if we are to hold our position with mining companies, who see the potential of the north as the best in the country. It is no good, Mr. Speaker, if we have the resources which we know provide a positive outcome for our economy if we cannot or will not provide the means to access them. Mr. Speaker, my comments sound like I am critical of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Not so. The Government of the Northwest Territories does not have responsibility... Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.