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.