Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I updated Members on the increased oil and gas development activity in the Northwest Territories, and the government's intention to ensure northerners benefit from it. Today, I am pleased to advise Members that I will be signing two documents which will set the groundwork for gas development in the Northwest Territories.
First, I will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Alberta. This agreement will commit our two governments to work together to realize the development of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. I am pleased to welcome the Honourable Mike Cardinal, Alberta Associate Minister of Forestry, to Yellowknife for the signing of this agreement. Mr. Cardinal is signing on behalf of the Honourable Steven West, Alberta Minister of Resource Development. It is our intention that the two governments act in concert for the benefit of all producers in the basin and for the benefit of all residents of Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
I will also be signing, with Mr. Rob Reid of TransCanada Pipelines, a memorandum of understanding committing both parties to work together as industry and government to realize the development of the gas reserves of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, these two agreements will help set the tone for the present and future economies of the Northwest Territories. The signing of these agreements will take place today during the break in the Legislative Assembly's media room. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to invite all Members of this House to attend. Thank you.
--Applause