Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of areas that the Economic strategy should happen, perhaps did, but I think could have been more pronounced and focused in the Economic strategy. One of the areas, for example, is the oil and gas sector and the mineral sector. The oil and gas sector, by way of example, Mr. Speaker, there are 330 billion barrels of oil sitting on the Beaufort and that is, by the way, one and a half times what Alberta produced and reserved that they still have left. We exceed Alberta's by a far amount. The gas reserves are 126 trillion cubic feet Which is approximately three quarters of Alberta's reserves. That is an area of Economic strategy that should be part and parcel to this. Could the Minister tell us, in his consultations, if he will or is looking into this particular development, because that can be the salvation of this Territory? Thank you.

--Applause

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The sectors of the economy that involve oil and gas, mining and tourism at this time appear to be the sectors that have the

greatest potential for creating immediate economic activity that could be of benefit to the aboriginal communities, the territories as a whole, to the business community, as well as this government. Yes, we are prepared to focus very specifically once the aboriginal communities and regions and other communities within the territory agree on the approach. We believe that is exactly what is going to happen. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Yes, I certainly agree with the Minister that this can be a tremendous opportunity for the aboriginal groups to be the leaders and the driving force in and of great benefit to the aboriginal organizations and groups, as well as this government and business groups. In my understanding it was not delved into in great depth in the Economic Strategy originally. Can the Minister tell us if he is pursuing that in a more constructive way to identify? The Minister's group of people are well versed in this whole area. I wonder if he can tell us if he is going to capitalize on the knowledge that his group has to try and build that into the Economic Strategy and consultation paper because I think that is needed.

The Minister responsible for Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have been working with communities in the Deh Cho, communities in the Sahtu and are keeping an eye on the potential activity that could return to the Beaufort in the oil and gas sector. We have been taking a very proactive approach in making sure we are abreast of the developments within the federal government in regard to oil and gas activity here in the Northwest Territories. We have taken the initiative to work with communities such as Fort Liard, Fort Good Hope, Tulita, Norman Wells and other communities that are interested and taking the initiative to get involved in working with oil companies and, working with these sectors to look at ways in which we can realize the potential for benefits from oil and gas activity here in the Northwest Territories. Yes, we have already been working with some of our communities.

The approach we would like to see is for more of the communities to indicate that they want to be taking part in the economic development of the resources and to discuss ways in which we can work as partners in making sure that the benefits, jobs, flow to our aboriginal communities, our northern communities, our businesses and to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said earlier, the Minister has a very experienced and capable group within his department that can put together a very persuasive package. I wonder if he is able to take that package and address it with Minister Stewart in Ottawa on the potential of the oil and gas and the mineral activity here in the Northwest Territories so that, while we have to ensure that the aboriginal groups are on side on this, I also feel at this particular time we have to ensure that Minister Stewart in Ottawa is very cognizant and aware of the tremendous potential that this can have on the country as a whole. Thank you.

Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the Minister Ms. Jane Stewart is convinced, after three years or so of study by her officials that there is one thing that is absolutely clear, that none of the officials working for the federal government in Ottawa responsible for oil and gas and mineral activity in the Northwest Territory, that not one of them is interested one bit in working or living here in the Northwest Territories. We also know that they would be totally demoralized if it were even suggested that they have to live and work in the area where they carry out their responsibilities every day. I believe that the good Minister, Ms. Jane Stewart, will make a decision in the next few weeks that will see the moving of positions from Ottawa to the North so that the people who are responsible within the federal government for administering oil and gas activities, for giving out permits and exploration licenses, will finally have to live and work here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

--Applause

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

The Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the area of tobacco and tobacco cessation is a large one for the department. We are concerned, and as I stated in my Minister's statement on the health forum, that is one of the areas where we see it as being a preventable illness, the impacts of smoking. I would indeed consider what the Member has just stated and will be discussing it with my Cabinet colleagues to see what options are before us in the area of reducing vending machines that would deliver smoking products. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

The Minister responsible for Health and Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware that there is now a request that vendors have to require ID if they feel that the person buying the products is under the age limit that is out there right now. The area of photo IDs is something I think this government is trying to deal with, trying to make the photo IDs more available. We could definitely look at that as well to see what can be done and be done in a way that would be cost-effective to this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

The Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again the area of smoking and products being available to the younger ages is of concern to this government and myself as Minister. The area of trying to stop candy products that come in the form of cigarettes is an area I think we definitely have to have a look at to see what can be done. I am not sure if we can limit candy sales. The Member has stated that they have banned it in other areas, and I will have the department look at that to see what is done in other areas and what implications there would be for this government. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.