Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the state of the economy in the Northwest Territories and specific issues that affect it.

I was shocked yesterday to hear some of the Members from Yellowknife speak about the state of the economy and how it affects Yellowknife in housing and the cost of living. We outside of Yellowknife envy Yellowknife considerably when it comes to the economy and the development of the North.

While Yellowknife seems to be under a boom in the diamond industry, we outside of Yellowknife are still waiting to get our turn at economic development. The so-called diamond industry is seen from outside of Yellowknife as being a Yellowknife diamond industry.

Not too long ago, about a month ago, Mr. Speaker, the former Mayor of Yellowknife made a statement on the radio saying that Yellowknife was suffering because of losing 600 government jobs. I would question that statement, Mr. Speaker, and I would need some hard evidence that would confirm that.

The oil and gas industry is looked upon by people outside of Yellowknife as being their turn at getting some economic development. The oil and gas that is flowing through the blood and veins of the Minister of Finance. We are going to invite him to Hay River and try to tie into those veins so we can get some of that oil and gas that is flowing.

Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, I made some comments about the support of the fishing industry in Hay River. In checking Hansard of November 1, I see that the Minister of Finance stated that: "$2.5 million was going in support of the fur industry." In checking with Hansard of November 2, I see that the Minister of Finance stated: "We have approximately 1,000 trappers now, earning between $800,000 and $900,000." I would think , Mr. Speaker, if that kind of money is available in the fur industry, we can cut down on the amount of subsidies we are giving in that area and give more to fishing.

Do we have a plan, Mr. Speaker, in the Territories? I certainly hope we do. I hope as a government that we are looking outside of Yellowknife to benefit all the Northwest Territories when it comes to economic development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause