Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have heard much about the potential that we have in non-renewable resources in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Handley and Mr. Kakfwi have told this House about Mr. Martin and Mr. Chretien also being excited about the potential for the Northwest Territories to become a "have" Territory.

This potential and excitement is something that I share. However, Mr. Speaker, even with the rise in the prices of oil and gas, it is far from certain that the Northwest Territories will achieve that potential. As one mine has found out recently, the environmental and regulatory review process can be a lengthy and complex process which can delay the opening of a new mine.

Mr. Speaker, developers must deal not only with regulatory agencies being set up as a result of self-government, but also with territorial expectations and federal regulatory regimes. The lack of a one-window approach to environmental and developmental regulations in the Northwest Territories presents a significant deterrent to investors.

Mr. Speaker, potential investors may choose to invest elsewhere, where the regulatory demands are more clear or less redundant, in spite of our unmatched potential. I think the ultimate best result, in this situation, Mr. Speaker, is one where Northerners own the resources and share the control and the ownership. I think we will make the right decisions. Mr. Speaker, it is important to protect the environment, but I would argue that a coordinated approach for developers would also allow us to ensure that the environment was better protected.

I urge this government, as part of a non-renewable resource development policy and strategy, to take the lead at working to facilitate a one-window approach. With that, Mr. Speaker, we can ensure that we do achieve our potential in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause