Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the attention of the Members of this Assembly recent developments in the carving industry of the NWT. On several occasions recently, the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo has raised concerns about economic conditions for the many people, particularly in the eastern Arctic, who depend on the carving industry for their income.

I have assured the honourable Member, as I assure all Members now, that this government recognizes the carving industry as an important and productive activity in our communities, and as one of the most important sectors in the territorial economy. In the 50 years since the contemporary industry was established in the Arctic, many dedicated and hard-working people have contributed to making Inuit stone carving one of the best-recognized and most successful indigenous art forms in the world today.

Most important are the individual carvers themselves, who make the considerable personal investment that is needed to produce high quality art. It is their effort and commitment to the art form, which sustains the industry in even the most difficult economic circumstance. This government has responded to the needs of the carving industry in the past through grants to small business, marketing assistance, and through the efforts of the Northwest Territories Development Corporation. But we know we need to do more. As we approach 1999, the creation of Nunavut and, in 2000, the celebration of the millennium, there are new opportunities to support our artists, and help to make the carving industry sustainable.

The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is supporting a number of new initiatives. This summer the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association was established to act as an advocate for the industry and to provide organizational support for carvers across the new territory. Founding members include three well-known carvers from the Baffin region, Pootoogook Jaw, Matt Nuiqingaq and Sam Pitsiulak. Representation from across the eastern Arctic will be added in the coming weeks. Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development in the Baffin region recently published a comprehensive review of the carving industry to help set a strategic direction for the economic sector.

Most recently, in response to the deputy Premier's request, the department has organized a conference on the carving industry in the Nunavut area. It will be held in Iqaluit, October 19 - 21, 1998. This important event will bring together carvers from each of the three eastern Arctic regions, and provide an opportunity for them to express their concerns and recommendations. The conference also will also include representatives from the distribution and marketing side of the industry, and public officials responsible for economic development and arts and culture, to respond to the carvers and make recommendations for the support of the industry in the future. I am urging my staff to use this conference as an opportunity to work with carvers to help set a strategic direction for the industry - one that will be created and endorsed by the carvers themselves. This direction will be, I hope, of assistance to the new government in Nunavut, and its new Department of Sustainable Development. I look forward to the results of the conference in Iqaluit, and to reporting back to this Assembly on our progress.

--Applause