Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night the Yellowknife MLAs held a constituency meeting. About 250 people turned out. I would say that the majority were concerned with the future of Giant Mine. There were probably 150 employees from Giant Mine accompanied by members of their families at the meeting. Mr. Speaker, it was difficult not to
be moved by the words expressed by Yellowknife residents and constituents, some as young as 13 years old, who do not want to leave the North.
Mr. Speaker, people who spoke at the meeting last night talked about the cost to employees of Giant Mine and their families with the loss of jobs. The cost to other businesses in the North and the cost in lost revenues in transfer payments to this government and the effect that might have on us.
Mr. Speaker, I hope that we can find another solution to the Giant Mine situation. One that will better deal with the environmental liabilities. One that will better protect the employees and one that will improve on the total number of jobs that will be offered to Giant Mine employees. Mr. Speaker, I agreed along with others in the meeting to meet and work with the union to see if together we can find such a solution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause