Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The company, Diavik, is applying to the federal government for a licence to begin mining diamonds within the year. It is my expectation that the federal government will decide within a month or two on whether they will issue the licence and what terms and conditions will be attached to the licence. It is my view that Diavik will be expected to provide for some value-added activity by ensuring that valuation of their diamonds by government will be done off-site in one of our communities, off the mine site.
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That they will be required or will be expected to ensure that some of the diamonds that would be considered economical to cut and polish in the North will be provided to northern businesses for cutting and polishing here in the Northwest Territories.
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I expect that the federal government and our government will find a way to make that clear to Diavik, and that Diavik will realize that it is essential to good business for them to provide for that and indicate that as soon as possible. Thank you.