Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS there has recently been increased interest in the development of natural gas resources of the Western Arctic;

AND WHEREAS Canada has commitments under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol to seek the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction which can be realized in part through the use of natural gas;

AND WHEREAS these resources should be developed in a manner that provides for the greatest benefit to all parties, including northern people, governments and industry;

AND WHEREAS aboriginal leaders meeting in Fort Liard, have recently expressed their intention to work together to build a partnership to maximize the ownership of, and benefits from a Mackenzie Valley pipeline;

AND WHEREAS the construction of a natural gas pipeline through the Mackenzie Valley area will support the development of additional infrastructure which will benefit all Valley communities;

NOW THEREFORE I move seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the 14th Legislative Assembly is committed to work cooperatively and in partnership with aboriginal governments to take control of the development of northern resources;

AND FURTHER that this Legislative Assembly urges the Government of the Northwest Territories, in partnership with aboriginal governments, to actively promote the development of a natural gas pipeline through the Mackenzie Valley;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories seeks to maximize the benefits that would accrue to western Arctic communities with the development of a natural gas pipeline down the Mackenzie Valley;

AND FURTHERMORE, that this Legislative Assembly endorses the efforts of the Premier and the Executive Council in seeking, with aboriginal governments, the control of our natural resources and the sharing with these governments of the resource revenues arising from that development.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause