Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to Item 6.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think one of the things we have to realize that with all of these developments, oil and gas, minerals, diamond exploration, there comes a problem with the environment. Many times, when we look at the potential of these developments, we forget about the environment, not realizing the cumulative impacts that come along with developments.

I think we have to learn from the experiences we have had in the North, especially at the abandoned mines we have found on the tundra. Also, the experience we have had with the Giant Mine closure, as well as the experience people are having in Deline. There are also people along the coast concerned with the early warning system that was put in place, the DEW line sites.

I think we have to look back at the legacy of development in the Northwest Territories to realize that it was not a pretty picture. There are some learning experiences we have to get through.

Due to that, Mr. Speaker, we have to change the way we do things in the North. I think we have to keep in mind that we are in this business for the long term, and we have to minimize the impacts that come along with it.

I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, in light of all of the developments that are happening, the diamond mine exploration with Diavik, the oil and gas in the Beaufort and Liard areas, what has the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development done? Have they conducted an environmental scan incorporating potential diamond, and oil and gas developments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for that question. It is an issue that we need to continually pay attention to.

The cumulative effects of development are something that aboriginal leaders, communities and our government have focused on for a number of years. We have currently agreed, along with the federal government, that the cumulative aspect of development, particularly in this area of diamond mines, is one that we need to pay attention to the most. We have agreed on that, and now there is some agreement to work with the federal government to look at a framework under which we can work together to assess and manage the cumulative effects of development.

There is some work done to address that. That is the approach that has been taken at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have to realize that the First Nations people are probably the group that has seen the impacts of these developments, more so than any other group. We know that with the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit, the land plays an important part of their traditional knowledge and lifestyles. I would like to know how will the department ensure the land will be protected for future generations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not mention this, but in fact the aboriginal governments of the region are also involved in the approach I previously mentioned. All of us are concerned about the cumulative impact of resource development. We have agreed to develop a framework for assessing and managing the cumulative effects of resource development. The aboriginal governments are involved in partnering in that initiative. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the increased economic development, such as building roads into the resources, the potential pipeline, I think one thing we have to realize is the species that is most impacted by any major developments, as we have seen with the Dempster Highway, is caribou. Wildlife in general, particularly the migration routes of these species which have to cross highways and pipelines, are affected.

We sometimes forget that they also have to be protected. I would like to ask the Minister what his department is doing to ensure that species at risk are going to be protected? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the recent interest of oil and gas companies to renew exploration activities in the Mackenzie Valley, we have undertaken some work. We have moved to start allocating some resources to support the communities and regions to prepare for these activities and engage in some activities that could return some benefits to the regions and communities.

As well, the government has set up, with aboriginal organizations, a Mackenzie Valley development planning committee. This committee has two assignments.

One is to ensure the limited resources that both the government and the aboriginal organizations have, are used in a way that maximizes the benefits of the proposed development and activities to the communities and regions.

The other major assignment is to look at policies and plans and directions that would maximize benefits from development to the communities and region for the long term. Also, to look at ways in which we could minimize the negative impact, both socio-economic and environmental. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, regarding wildlife habitat, we have several species which are not unique to the North. They travel across other territorial boundaries. In some cases, international boundaries. I mention the Porcupine caribou, the Bluenose herd, and other species. There are international agreements regarding migratory birds.

With these developments, we have to also realize we are protecting species not only for the people in the Northwest Territories. We have to ensure we are fully involved in international agreements and relationships with neighbouring governments in other countries.

I would like to ask the Minister; what is the department doing to ensure we are fully and actively participating in dialogue with our neighbouring governments? Are we trying to find ways of establishing co-management boards, to ensure we participate fully in all aspects of wildlife, particularly the impacts these developments have on wildlife, with other jurisdictions?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The land claim agreements of the Inuvialuit, the Gwich'in, the Sahtu, all contain co-management boards that require us to work in partnership with these organizations to manage use of the land, resources and wildlife.

The Wildlife Act itself is going to be completely revised and re-drafted. Again, this is only in its initial stage, which should be complete in a week or so.

In a few days, there will be the first consultation process with the public on how to proceed with the drafting of a new Wildlife Act. I believe there are compelling reasons to extend a hand to the aboriginal leaders in the regions to ask them to partner with us in the development of this very significant piece of legislation.

As well, we have undertaken to implement the Protected Areas Strategy, which was developed with the aboriginal leaders, with industry, and with environmental groups a couple of years ago. We have taken as many opportunities as possible to work in every way we can to ensure our wildlife, our land and our environment are fully protected. We will use every instrument we can to advance that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, regarding a press release concerning this government constructing a $1 million senior citizens' complex, which is being sold to Alaska.

There is a five-unit complex, valued at roughly $1 million, which will be built as a pilot project between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Alaska Housing Financial Corporation.

It is a great idea, but I think we have a very serious shortage of seniors' housing units in the Northwest Territories. When we talk about pilot projects where a million dollars is going to be spent, I would like to know what portion of that million dollars is the government's investment into this pilot project.

I would like to ask the Minister what portion of the million dollars that is being spent is coming from this government?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time, I cannot determine how much profit we are going to realize from this project, but the intent here is to ensure we realize some revenue that we can re-invest into our own housing projects in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will try to simplify the question to the Minister and put it down in layman's terms. What percentage of the million dollars being spent on this project is being put forth by this government?