Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak briefly on an issue that I have raised in this House before. It has to do with agriculture in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT has a large number of families involved in the agricultural industry. Mr. Speaker, current regulations in effect for assessing land within the municipal taxation area state that land must be assessed at market value. Regulations also state that assessed value must be fair and equitable. Mr. Speaker, the Property Assessment and Taxation Act does not contain any unique treatment for agricultural properties.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot figure out why this current government is not able to provide an agricultural policy. We have been told on numerous occasions that it is because land claims have not yet been settled. However, the lack of an agricultural policy, in conjunction with not giving any concessions to agricultural farmers in the area of municipal taxation, is serving as a great deterrent to those people trying to make a living in this area.

Mr. Speaker, I wonder how this government foresees any progress being made in the industry without an agricultural policy. The government continues to put up barriers to these hardworking people who are attempting to provide for their families and the public. When it comes to the areas of oil and gas development and the diamond industry, Mr. Speaker, we seem to be able to deal with the land use issue.

Mr. Speaker, agriculture is a renewable resource and I would think that this government would have no problem issuing whatever it takes to get this industry moving. The only thing that agricultural people in this Territory are concerned about is moving the Territories towards self-sufficiency in food production.

Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend, on Friday and Saturday, the TFA will be holding their 11th annual seminar in Hay River and on Sunday, their annual general meeting. A number of Ministers and politicians have been invited to attend those functions. I would seriously encourage this government to bring some words of encouragement and some positive feedback on their industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause