Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is clear that the Giant Mine, if it was to start today as a new operation, would have to change their mode of operation because the roasting mode of deriving the gold from the ore would no longer be an acceptable way to operate, that is certain. Also, some of the other modes of operation, the emissions, would no longer be acceptable. That is clear, but what we are trying to do, is to make sure that the mine is not shut down without due regard for the impact it would have not only on the city of Yellowknife, but on, for instance, the grant you receive from the federal government to operate as a government because there would be an impact on the amount of money that we receive through our formula. There are a number of factors which compel us to look at ways in which we could support the ongoing operations, at least in the short term, while solutions to the fiscal difficulties of this government, the environmental concerns, are looked at by both governments and there are avenues looked at to see what role the private sector could play, not only making sure it continues to operate even on the short term, but also in clarifying by whom and how the environmental liability would be owned up to. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 148-13(7): Government Position On Giant Mine
In the Legislative Assembly on April 28th, 1999. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 148-13(7): Government Position On Giant Mine
Question 148-13(7): Government Position On Giant Mine
Item 6: Oral Questions
April 27th, 1999
Page 407
See context to find out what was said next.