Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we hear a lot with regard to the oil and gas exploration and the possibility of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline. However, Mr. Speaker, the protection of the environment is not an option. It is a deal breaker. Northerners are welcome to develop the North, but the land and the resources and the sustainability of our non-renewable resources is important to many of the aboriginal communities and those who live and depend on the land for their lifestyle.
With regard to the resource opportunities, they come and go. The boom-bust scenario is something we have to realize. Also, we have to realize the long-term implications of these developments on the people that live here. Aboriginal people and Northerners have always taken the environment very seriously, through our land claim arrangements, the institutions that have been established and also with regard to establishing legislation to ensure, protect and preserve what makes us unique in northern Canada.
Again, I would ask, at what cost are we willing to sell our environment with regard to development? Mr. Speaker, it is essential that there is that balance. It is essential we work with our partners with regard to this development. Mr. Speaker, we have seen what can happen with regard to working relationships with industry and the aboriginal groups with BHP and also Diavik, where there are assessments in place that can deal with these incomes, but realizing we do have some serious challenges in front of us when it comes to developing the North.
With regard to what we have heard from comments made in this House by the Premier and also news articles and statements that we have seen in his address to the industry in Washington, Ottawa, Calgary and elsewhere in Canada, one thing we have heard very little about is the environment and how we, as a government, will also find a balance to take on that challenge. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions to the Premier on that matter.