Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments today will be on a subject that is economically related, and it is of great concern to many people in Yellowknife and is, no doubt, of great concern to this government as well. The government is always looking at the possibility of job creation. As an example, I give the economic strategy which is underway in which the honourable Minister for RWED is in charge of.

That strategy is to create an economy whereby people can get jobs and this government can raise revenues. But what is of concern to me is, does this government have a program, a strategy of job retention. As an example, I use the Giant Mine situation. Some months ago, the Yellowknife MLAs met with the mayor of Yellowknife, representatives of the union, the Chamber of Commerce, a number of business people, and aboriginal representatives. It was to discuss and investigate the possibilities of a sale of Giant Mine, as well as to look at what can be done about the arsenic problem. Some progress has been made to that end.

DIAND, who has held a very successful and major conference on arsenic problems and brought in experts to gather together for a three-day session here in Yellowknife. I am sure that there will be progress made in that end on the arsenic issues. At the same time, the receiver has received interest from potential buyers for the mine. But Giant continues to be of great concern to all of us and especially the 280 workers and their families, as well as some 250 spinoff jobs that are affected by it. There is a tremendous impact on this community, as well as the territory, if we should lose this mine. To this end, I wonder what this government is doing in terms of pressuring the Department of Indian Affairs to continue to seek solutions to the arsenic problem, as well as to assist potential buyers and operators. If a buyer cannot be found, if we can provide assistance to keep this mine going. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.