Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On March 5, 2000 I attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference (PDAC) in Toronto along with the Deputy Premier, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, the Honourable Joe Handley, other MLAs, City of Yellowknife and northern mining representatives. This is a world class event at which more than 10,000 participants attended this year.

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada is the national organization representing the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry. The PDAC recognizes excellence and achievement in the mineral industry through its program of annual awards.

The Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year Award is presented to the person or persons who have made a significant mineral discovery, or offered some significant service to the PDAC or been involved in some important technological invention or innovation with respect to improving Canadian prospecting and/or exploration techniques. This year's award was presented to D. Grenville Thomas, in recognition of his outstanding prospecting achievements in the Northwest Territories over the past 30 years and, in particular, his role in organizing and managing the exploration program that led to Diavik Diamond Mines, the Thor Lake rare earth project, and the Sunrise Lake discovery.

For the past 34 years, Gren Thomas' prospecting activity has generated substantial economic benefits for this country, culminating in the development of what will be Canada's second diamond mine. His early recognition of and unswerving faith in the mineral potential of the Northwest Territories have resulted in substantial exploration activity which has brought major economic benefits to the region. His work has also contributed to the region's geological database.

In 1981, he founded Aber Resources to continue his gold exploration efforts and, subsequently, his exploration for diamonds. The first kimberlites were discovered on the Diavik property in 1992. These pipes are high grade and rank among the richest in the world with reserves of 37 million tonnes containing 133 million carats.

Gren Thomas demonstrates all of the qualities of the prospector-- geological expertise, foresight, perseverance, and curiosity. I am pleased to acknowledge in this House his success and the national recognition which he so richly deserves for his splendid contribution to the Northwest Territories and to Canada's mining industry.