Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the business and investment conference and trade show, Prospects North, is taking place September 21st to September 23rd. There are 113 delegates registered, including 20 international representatives and over 80 exhibitors. On behalf of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, I would like to welcome these visitors to the conference and to the Northwest Territories. The conference theme this year is "Partners in Developing Canada's North."

Through speakers and working sessions, delegates will be exposed to information on the various economic sectors in the NWT and the business opportunities they offer. Interested investors can receive more information at the trade show.

The North enjoys many successful joint ventures. Partnerships between the private sector and government are one of the new ways we are doing business. We must continue to be resourceful and creative in our business dendeavours. The NWT offers a vast array of resources. With the ongoing settlement of land claims and growth of aboriginal development corporations, increased certainty and business opportunities are available. Investors looking for a new opportunity have come to the right place -- the NWT. As a final note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the individuals who have worked to promote and support Prospects North '98. Thank you.

--Applause