Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our territory is rich with renewable and non-renewable resources. In the South Slave region we have an abundance of harvestable natural resources including forests with rich stands of timber which, if managed properly, can provide sustainable economic activity indefinitely.

In order to benefit from this natural resource, however, it requires sensible and consistent management policies. Our forests are vulnerable to natural removal from such things as forest fire, insect infestation, aging and decay. We conserve and protect this resource from these natural causes of reduction as much as possible as part of the management process. However, we also need to balance the preservation of forests with the much needed economic value which we can derive from them through responsible and sustainable access by northern companies with track records of creating employment and economic wealth and spinoffs.

As a government we need policies which facilitate assisting companies in identifying, accessing and harvesting timber for economic purposes. Sometimes I question if that attitude of facilitating the industry is overshadowed by bureaucratic red tape and politics. If this is an industry which we truly want to continue to develop and realize benefits from, I question why so much confusion and delay still surrounds what should be a fairly straightforward process, of making application and being granted licences and permits in a timely manner. This is a matter which I have addressed in the House before. When concerns are taken to the deputy minister level and the Minister level, we have always received a very positive response, but the everyday working of the system for applying and being granted approvals seems to be wrought with hesitation, misinformation and contradiction.

The forest industry, like any other, is subject to regulations, reporting requirements, applicable fees and scrutiny. However, if operators cannot secure a reliable supply of inventory over a five-year period, they cannot get financing, plan for staff and equipment requirements, etcetera. The forest industry is a very important component of the economy of Hay River from operations in surrounding areas, and as such, I am interested in issues of access, fairness and process in dealing with the offices of this government which deal in these areas.

Later in question period I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause