Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, too, will be supporting this motion. I believe we do have to get on with it because there are other jurisdictions in the country that would like to see this pipeline run through their jurisdiction. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about the Government of the Yukon, which passed a similar motion in their House a number of weeks ago. They have been lobbying the Alaska government and people in Congress in the 48th State.
So, I think it is important that this government also takes the initiative to start promoting, not only here in the North, but in other jurisdictions in Canada, Alaska and in the United States.
And with that, Mr. Speaker, I think it is critical that this government proceeds with these talks and discussions to ensure that we do put forth a very saleable package because we do have pipeline right-of-ways already in our jurisdiction. We do have land claims settled in a majority of the areas and we are working on settling in the rest of the Territories.
But, Mr. Speaker, most importantly, I believe this government has to get ourselves ready, not only as a government, but for the people we represent, by ensuring those people are adequately trained and that we have the human resources and the infrastructure in place to take on such a project.
We have an opportunity in the area of the secondary industries. If you look at the trucking industry in the Northwest Territories, you are talking about competition. Right now, there is a surge of trucks available to Robinson's Trucking and the mines of the Northwest Territories because of oil and gas development in British Columbia, Alberta and in western Canada. In order for us to benefit, we have to realize that we do not have much time, Mr. Speaker. They are talking 2007 or 2008 for this project to be up and running.
As a government, we have to ensure we have all the processes in place, claims settled, the Northern Accord devolution process concluded, and ensure that the regulatory processes are in place to take on such a project so that Northerners will be totally involved in the environmental assessment process, and also to ensure that we receive the maximum for economic benefits that flow from such a major project.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the motion. Thank you.