Mahsi, Mr. Lafferty. Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome. Colleagues, I am pleased to acknowledge today, June 21, 2000, as National Aboriginal Day. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the many positive and unique contributions made by aboriginal people of Canada.

Aboriginal people have always played significant and meaningful roles in the development of our Canadian society. Today, as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, it is important to reflect on and remember those contributions.

Aboriginal people have contributed and continue to contribute to Canadian art, literature, business, medicine, politics, self-identity and many other aspects that we cherish in our society.

As we reflect on the distinctive past, we can also look forward to a healthy, bright and prosperous future. The Yellowknife National Aboriginal Day Organization Committee has organized activities and cultural displays that are taking place today throughout the city and at Petitot Park.

The festival began this morning and is scheduled to continue on into the evening. I attended this event last year and had a great time. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to enjoy the festivities and to celebrate this very special day.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all of the Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6). Are there any nays? There are no nays. We shall waive Rule 34(6). Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Premier Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to address you, my colleagues in this Assembly, and the people of the Northwest Territories. As we commence the Third Session of this 14th Assembly this week, we begin the important work needed to review and approve the budget for the 2000-2001 fiscal year, announced yesterday in this House by the Honourable Joseph Handley, Minister of Finance.

I would like to take a moment at the outset to congratulate Minister Handley and his staff for their hard work. They have brought forward a budget that acknowledges our fiscal challenges and puts forward responsible measures to deal with these challenges while we work towards a new fiscal relationship and to secure additional sources of revenue that will see us into the future.

I would also like to acknowledge that today, June 21st, is National Aboriginal Day, a day to recognize and celebrate aboriginal people and cultures. Later today, the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will be making a statement in this House regarding National Aboriginal Day.

Mr. Speaker, it was four months ago, on February 22nd to be precise, that I last addressed this Assembly. I outlined for you the aspirations and expectations of our constituents for a society:

• • where our children can grow and prosper and where our elders can live in comfort and be respected for their contributions; and
• • where individuals and their families will be healthy and living in communities that are rooted in cultures and languages which flourish.

I described our desire for an economic climate in which:

• • NWT people and their governments make decisions regarding land use, development, resource management and the protection of the environment;
• • our residents benefit from private sector development and where they use revenues raised in the NWT to reduce our dependence on federal transfer payments; and
• • important infrastructure, such as the roads connecting our communities, is developed.

In February, my Cabinet colleagues and I recognized that people of the NWT want to be governed by institutions that are:

• • bound together by a sense of unity and identity that inspires aboriginal and territorial governments to work in partnership for the good of our people;
• • administered by a capable and experienced workforce that is representative of our population; and
• • capable of making informed decisions to advance NWT interests at the national and international level.

Mr. Speaker, these long-range goals were identified by this Assembly just four short months ago. We also described some of the preliminary work this Assembly would need to undertake to fulfill our goals.

Today, I want to report how together we have made an energetic and positive start to the challenges before us. I also want to describe to you how and why we are building the momentum that is needed to carry us forward on a number of critical initiatives - initiatives intended to yield positive and lasting benefits for the future of the Northwest Territories.

This momentum is important because it means that within this new Northwest Territories, there is a renewed sense of enthusiasm about the prospects we have for a secure economic future. We need to capture and nurture that sense of enthusiasm.

It is important because it means that we are building a northern territorial identity. As partners in this Legislature and with our constituents, we are defining our shared interests and moving forward together towards our common goals.

It is important because it means that there is a growing awareness and focus on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for each of our residents and an increased understanding of the need to provide our children with the best possible start in life.

And this momentum is especially important because, as a result of our efforts, people, businesses and institutions outside of the Northwest Territories -- who are in a position to help us realize our dreams -- are sitting up and taking notice of the things we are saying. They are beginning to share our excitement about the prospects for development in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, it is this development -- not only of our non-renewable resources, but of our local businesses, our tourism industry, our people, their skills and abilities -- that will ensure that the NWT is a prosperous and secure place to live and to raise our families in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, in order to be able to build momentum, we needed a vision to share, to capture interest and to guide us. On March 31, 2000, the Members of this Assembly collectively released to the public a document entitled Towards a Better Tomorrow.

Towards a Better Tomorrow is a statement of the vision and priorities that will guide the 14th Legislative Assembly in the coming years. It is a document that has the full support and endorsement of Cabinet.

Caucus spent considerable time developing the vision, priorities and agenda of the 14th Assembly. It was time well spent. Together, we reviewed the 13th Assembly's Agenda for the New North, and agreed that it should serve as a foundation document upon which the 14th Assembly would build its action plan.

Towards a Better Tomorrow outlines the 14th Assembly's vision for a prosperous future for the people of the Northwest Territories. In it, Caucus identifies the following key priorities:

1. Self-reliant individuals, families and communities working with governments toward improving social well-being.
2. Better governance through partnerships.
3. A northern-controlled economy that is balanced, diversified, stable and vibrant.
4. Adequate resources helping all levels of government to become more self-reliant in meeting the needs of the people they serve.

Mr. Speaker, Towards a Better Tomorrow has laid the foundation for the actions we have initiated. Cabinet has identified specific strategies that are designed to help us achieve the goals outlined in Towards a Better Tomorrow. These are:

• • support for the Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy;
• • support for the Economic Strategy Panel;
• • support for a social strategy focusing on early childhood development, personal responsibility and community ownership of wellness; and
• • broad support for regional reorganization and capacity-building initiatives designed to ensure that regional administrative structures are responsive to changes brought about by self-government initiatives and that communities can take on expanded responsibilities and manage their own futures.

The key priorities and goals contained in Towards a Better Tomorrow and the strategies that flow from them now guide the work of this government.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government is a critical partner in assisting us to achieve our goals. We receive approximately 75 percent of our funding from the federal government. Until devolution is finalized, the federal government remains responsible for land and resource ownership and management in the Northwest Territories.

In particular, the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, has a unique relationship with and responsibility to the NWT. Because of the extent of his jurisdiction over and responsibility for land and resource management in the NWT, the relationship that Minister Nault shares with us is unique and different from his relationship with provincial jurisdictions.

For this reason, we are building momentum with the federal government and setting the stage for the changes we want to see in the future.

On March 22nd, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister of Finance and I traveled to Ottawa and met with federal Finance Minister Paul Martin, with Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault, and Minister of State for Youth -- and our MP -- Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

We discussed the very real possibility that the NWT could, within a decade, become a "have" territory -- one that can live on the revenue it generates, rather than a "have not" territory, dependant upon federal transfer payments to make ends meet. We stressed that to become self-sufficient, we will require a share of the revenues generated by non-renewable resource development -- revenues that all currently flow to the federal government.

Minister Nault indicated his support for a results-oriented Intergovernmental Forum for leaders to discuss northern economic development issues including devolution, resource revenue sharing and the construction of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Minister Martin indicated his willingness to consider increased federal investment in the future of the NWT based on a resource development strategy paper outlining our needs in greater detail, including the costs and benefits of increased non-renewable resource development. When we met a second time in April, he confirmed that interest and urged us to get all documentation to him as soon as possible.

In April, I met with our Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien and conveyed to him the importance that people of the Northwest Territories place on moving forward on our agenda. His support was requested, and that of his Cabinet, for investing in and with the Northwest Territories to meet our shared objectives.

We discussed the critical role of infrastructure development in accessing our non-renewable resources, in linking our communities and in opening the NWT to southern visitors. We explored the possibility of federal government support for the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline and the completion of the Mackenzie Valley highway in conjunction with the pipeline.

The Prime Minister understands the goals we are trying to achieve and recognizes the NWT as a place where a necessary federal investment, made today, could yield significant future benefits to the NWT and Canada as a whole.

Recently, my colleague, the Honourable Vince Steen, Minister of Transportation, had a chance to reinforce the importance that we place on opening up access to our resource-rich areas when he attended the Transport Canada Millennium Conference. There, Mr. Steen made arrangements with his federal counterpart, Transport Canada Minister David Collenette, to meet later this week. They will be discussing the critical role that infrastructure development plays in the economic development of the NWT, and Mr. Steen will be working to ensure that our voice is heard in any discussions taking place on the Canada National Highway Infrastructure Program.

Mr. Speaker, in a short period of time, and with the assistance of our Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, we have captured the attention of Ottawa. Canada is interested in us in a way we have not seen in years. The federal government is paying attention to the tremendous interest in NWT non-renewable resource development and the work we have done on the draft Non-Renewable Resource Strategy and is participating in the Intergovernmental Forum. Both of these initiatives are intended to produce prosperity and security over time for all peoples of the NWT.

An important aspect of building momentum has been the new relationship with aboriginal governments that is developing -- a relationship which is long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, the first meeting of the newly established Intergovernmental Forum took place in Hay River on May 5. This forum -- created jointly by Canada, the GNWT and the aboriginal governments of the NWT as the first government-to-government-to-government forum in the country -- was an historic gathering.

The forum has brought together the political leaders of the Northwest Territories, representing the federal, territorial and aboriginal governments. Representatives at Hay River included: the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; our Member of Parliament, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew; Senator Nick Sibbeston; a number of former GNWT Premiers and Cabinet Ministers, together with many of the Members of this 14th Legislative Assembly and Cabinet; as well as the aboriginal leaders from each of the regions.

The breadth of this leadership base and its depth of experience are important because they indicate the interest and support for moving forward on key territorial issues. The very existence of the forum is a step forward in the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and a recognition that we cannot make progress unless we find a way to work together in an atmosphere of trust and respect.

The federal, territorial and aboriginal leaders have agreed to use the forum to build a common vision for the Northwest Territories and to discuss territorial-wide issues such as resource-revenue sharing and building capacity for aboriginal governments.

The Intergovernmental Forum provides an arena for NWT governments to participate as equal partners in discussion and decision-making. In the forum, we expect to focus on matters such as:

• • the ways in which intergovernmental relationships will change as land claims, self-government and aboriginal rights negotiations are settled in the NWT;
• • how resource revenues will be shared between the federal, aboriginal and territorial governments;
• • the devolution to the North of the resource management responsibilities currently exercised by Canada;
• • economic development initiatives, including the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline; and
• • capacity building for aboriginal governments.

I want to stress that while the goodwill and spirit of cooperation around the Intergovernmental Forum table is encouraging, the process we are jointly developing is still fragile. It will need nurturing and care in order to flourish. I would ask for support and patience from each of you. Please recognize that we are working hard to overcome the obstacles that have divided us in the past, in order to forge a new and stronger bond. It will take some time to build the necessary trust and confidence of the parties in the forum process.

The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum, which we hope will take place in the autumn.

Mr. Speaker, building momentum is not just about talk. It must be about action and results and so, at the May 5th meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, distributed a draft Non-Renewable Resource Strategy for the consideration of our partner governments.

Preparation of this document responds to the commitment made to federal Finance Minister Martin to put our preliminary thoughts on paper and begin a draft that identifies the investment dollars needed to prepare for the non-renewable resource development challenges already upon us.

The strategy remains in draft and represents the initial thinking of the Government of the Northwest Territories to this point. It is a work-in-progress that, out of respect for the relationship we are developing through the Intergovernmental Forum process, has been formally shared with our partner governments for their consideration and input.

The draft strategy was also provided to Members of this House for their input and was transmitted under cover letter to all federal Cabinet Ministers and their deputies. As well, the draft strategy was presented to federal officials representing 12 departments and agencies at a meeting in Ottawa on May 18, 2000. This presentation included an explanation of the need for and value of such a strategy at this time.

It should be noted that Mr. Pierre Alvarez, president, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Mr. Richard Nerysoo, co-chair of the Economic Strategy Panel, also gave presentations at that meeting in support of the strategy.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, it was our early review and discussions with respect to the work of the Economic Strategy Panel that provided one of the bases for the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy. As a result, our draft document, which focuses solely on one economic sector, fits nicely within the overall umbrella strategy being prepared by the panel. While we await the release of their report, titled Common Ground, it would appear that the work of the government to date in moving this initiative forward is consistent with the thrust of the Economic Strategy Panel's thinking.

In keeping with our commitment to open and transparent government, we have made early drafts of the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy available upon request to the media and to the public.

I should mention, Mr. Speaker, that while we recognize that a final strategy must be built on partnership, other events dictate that time is of the essence in moving this initiative forward. Development in the non-renewable resource sector is already booming in the NWT. Canadian diamonds are already being sold in international markets -- something that was hard to imagine just a few short years ago. In less than a year, three new pipelines have been completed in the Northwest Territories.

With every day that passes, we find new opportunities to benefit from this development. As a proactive government, we cannot afford to wait. Our provincial partners are not waiting. For example, British Columbia just announced an investment of $103 million to pave the Liard highway from Fort Nelson to the BC - NWT border.

Therefore, we are asking the federal government to respond quickly and decisively to the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy and invest with us in preparation for the major developments on our doorstep. At the end of the day, the success of the strategy will be measured by the extent to which it yields additional federal investment in the Northwest Territories and how quickly and decisively the federal government responds.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the valuable work being done at the Intergovernmental Forum, we are continuing to build momentum with aboriginal governments through the settlement of land claims and self-government agreements.

As indicated by Minister Handley in his Budget Address yesterday, building strong partnerships with aboriginal governments is fundamental for the GNWT. Minister Handley noted that, along with the Government of Canada, the GNWT has entered into a political accord in the Beaufort Delta region with the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. This accord sets out how we will cooperate to address territorial issues of mutual concern.

Just last week the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, represented the GNWT at the signing of a political accord with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations in Lutselk'e. This bilateral accord acknowledges that our two governments have important issues of mutual concern to address and it solidifies a working relationship that will allow us to work together to resolve these issues.

On June 13th, on the occasion of the signing of the political accord, negotiators for Canada, the Akaitcho Dene First Nations and the GNWT initialled the Akaitcho Framework Agreement. It is hoped that later this summer, the Framework Agreement can be signed in conjunction with the 100th Centenary Celebrations for Treaty 8 at Deninu Ku'e.

On May 6th, the Smith's Landing First Nation held a ceremony in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta, on the occasion of the signing of their Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement. Coming more than a century after the signing of Treaty 8 in Fort Fitzgerald, this final agreement represents over 30 years of effort by the people of the Smith's Landing First Nation to secure their land rights. I was pleased to take part in this ceremony, and I want to take this opportunity to again publicly congratulate the Smith's Landing First Nation, their chief, Gerry Paulette and their chief negotiator, Francois Paulette, on their achievement.

Mr. Speaker, the settlement of all outstanding land claims and self-government agreements with the aboriginal peoples of the Northwest Territories within the next ten years is a long-standing goal of this government. As I have said many times, this will provide certainty to investors with respect to land use and regulatory processes. This in turn can only contribute positively to the economic development climate in the Northwest Territories.

More importantly, however, achieving this goal represents a tangible confirmation of the rights of aboriginal people to self-government and to secure tenure over lands that they have occupied for centuries. I am pleased to be able to report that we are continuing to make progress in this important area.

I am also pleased to report on the significant progress the Government of the Northwest Territories has made in building momentum with our provincial and territorial counterparts. This momentum is expressed in a clearer understanding of our mutual interests and in agreement on how we will pursue these joint interests through a coordinated approach.

The annual Western Premier's Conference was held from May 23rd through the 25th this year in Brandon, Manitoba. It involved the leaders of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. While in Brandon, I met with my counterparts, Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik and Yukon Premier Pat Duncan, in what we are calling the Northern Premiers' Forum. We talked about how we can help each other deal more effectively with the federal government in areas of mutual interest such as economic development and the devolution of federal powers to the territorial governments.

As northern Premiers, we confirmed the renewed support of the western Premiers for the devolution of federal jurisdiction over land and resources to the territorial governments. The support we received at the Western Premiers Conference will strengthen the message we are taking to the federal government; namely that it is time to talk seriously about implementing federally funded economic development and diversification programs in the North.

Mr. Speaker, coming on the heels of the WPC, I had the pleasure of joining Premier Ujjal Dossanjh for the signing of a formal five-year Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Development with the Government of British Columbia at a ceremony held in Victoria, British Columbia, on June 6th. This MOU is a general agreement to develop cooperative measures related to developing the communities, services and infrastructure of northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

This agreement follows the recent commitment by the Government of British Columbia to pave part of the Liard Highway, mentioned earlier. The paving of this section of the highway is one of several initiatives which will serve to develop our communities, services and infrastructure. A joint steering committee will oversee the implementation of the MOU and further specific initiatives will be identified for implementation.

The agreement with British Columbia complements a similar one made with the Government of Alberta in October, 1998, to improve the coordination of programs, opportunities and initiatives related to economic and human resource development. We also have similar memoranda of understanding with Manitoba and the Yukon.

We will continue to pursue such partnerships within the Canadian Confederation because they promote our respective and joint efforts to deliver programs and services to our respective jurisdictions in a more effective and coordinated way. GNWT officials are presently engaged in preliminary discussions that might lead to similar arrangements with one or more of the Atlantic Provinces.

Mr. Speaker, we are also paying increasing attention to the important role played by community governments in the Northwest Territories. The annual general meeting of the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities was held in Fort Simpson on May 24th. This meeting was attended by a delegation from the Government of the Northwest Territories, led by the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. The delegation included Ministers Ootes, Handley, Steen and I.

At that meeting, the Government of the Northwest Territories acknowledged that the member governments represented by the Association of Municipalities are the front line providers of programs, services and support to all residents of the 33 communities of the NWT. We acknowledged the essential role that community governments play in delivering programs and services to NWT residents.

Because of the importance Cabinet places on building strong relationships with communities, I have agreed to meet with the executive of the NWT Association of Municipalities to hear firsthand the Association's concerns and to engage in dialogue with them at their next executive meeting.

As well, the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, has traveled to at least ten communities to discuss general housing concerns. By working in partnership with community leaders to address housing issues we are supporting the development of local solutions to housing problems. Minister Allen is also working on the development of a Seniors' Housing Strategy, the initial stages of a subsidized Singles Housing Initiative, and he is exploring cost-shared social housing initiatives with aboriginal organizations.

As promised in Towards a Better Tomorrow, this government is committed to working in partnership with all governments of the Northwest Territories as we work together towards improving the lives of all residents of the Northwest Territories. Today, I want to reconfirm our commitment to partnerships with community governments and to ensuring that their concerns will continue to be considered and addressed by this government as we move forward with our agenda.

Mr. Speaker, a number of steps have been taken to strengthen existing relationships and to build new partnerships with key stakeholders.

As the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Honourable Joe Handley worked decisively to resolve the Teacher's Collective Agreement. Ensuring a positive working environment for our teachers will increase job satisfaction and staff retention, which translates into a more enriching educational experience for our children.

The Honourable Jake Ootes also made a significant contribution to this effort through his work to build partnerships and facilitate frank and open discussion on issues of common concern through a series of meetings with district education councils and authorities.

Minister Ootes should also be recognized for his department's work with the Calgary Board of Education. Together, they have signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable NWT students to access more than 30 Internet courses through a program called Web Curriculum Tools. By increasing the options available to students, this partnership will greatly enhance the quality of education in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, a great deal of progress is being made with the federal government in our work on the social agenda aimed at improving the social well-being of our residents. The efforts of our Cabinet Ministers ensure that the federal government remains constantly mindful of the needs and perspectives of NWT residents.

On June 8th and 9th in Toronto, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Minister of Health and Social Services, and the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, attended a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial social services Ministers. Ministers Groenewegen and Ootes were there to ensure that the NWT's interests were represented in discussions on the National Child Benefit Program, the development of the National Children's Agenda and disability issues.

Through her participation in the federal-provincial-territorial councils on social policy renewal, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Minister of Health and Social Services, has been working to ensure the consideration of aboriginal involvement in national social policy initiatives.

Working jointly, the Departments of Education Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services are developing an action plan and Financial Management Board submission to pilot specific early childhood development projects. Although only very limited federal funding is available for such initiatives, we are hopeful that outcomes from the Canada Health and Social Transfer negotiations will allow us to expand our efforts in this important area.

The GNWT, working in conjunction with all provinces and territories, has called for the full and immediate restoration of CHST funding to 1994-95 levels. In addition, all provinces and territories have requested that Ottawa include an appropriate escalator in this funding to reflect growing costs.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, has been working over the past few months with her counterparts towards this goal. Although the details have yet to be finalized, I am confident that the outcome of these negotiations will be positive.

Mr. Speaker, in the 16 short weeks since we first met as an Assembly, the government has invested considerable effort in building momentum with business and industry.

On March 29th, for example, I addressed the National Roundtable on the Environment and Economy Task Force on Aboriginal Communities and Non-Renewable Resource Development -- an important gathering of industry experts and key government officials held in Yellowknife. It provided an opportunity to discuss the vast development potential of the NWT's natural resources. There we reviewed the importance of development to achieving a secure economic future for our residents and the need to balance the extraction of resources with protection of the environment, so that development is sustainable and our renewable resources are protected over the long term.

In April and May, I spoke to both the Calgary and Edmonton Chambers of Commerce about the significant benefits that can be expected by Alberta businesses if they commit to greater investment in and trade with the NWT. Alberta is our largest trading partner, and with the potential for oil and gas development and expansion of our diamond industry, there is no question that economic development in the Northwest Territories will be mutually beneficial to the residents of both jurisdictions.

At these meetings, the members of these Alberta Chambers of Commerce were encouraged to consider partnerships with their counterparts in the North, and to consider the NWT as a tourism destination in their personal and business planning.

On May 10th, a similar message was given to the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association when, at their invitation, I gave the keynote address at their annual conference in Calgary. The membership of this CEPA is made up of executives from the major players in the oil and gas sector -- people who may play an instrumental role in the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline and in the ongoing development of the Liard and Mackenzie Valleys.

The key players in the oil and gas industry are now aware that the NWT has come a long way since the days of the Berger Inquiry. We are a territory that is open for business in the non-renewable resource sector. Our only prerequisites are that oil and gas development brings jobs and benefits for the people of the NWT; that developments are carried out responsibly with care and concern for the environment; and that northern aboriginal people have the opportunity for equity participation in and management of the gas pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, our message was reinforced June 11th through the 14th, when the GNWT participated in the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary, Alberta. This premiere event for the oil and gas industry was attended by a delegation of Ministers and Members, headed by Deputy Premier Jane Groenewegen and Mr. Floyd Roland, chair of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development.

The united presence of Ministers and Members at this international event helped to reinforce the message that this government takes current and future oil and gas development very seriously.

With respect to continued momentum in the development of a northern diamond industry, the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Mr. Steve Nitah, representing the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, represented this government at the Second Annual International Rough Diamond Conference in Israel in late March.

At this event, which brought together 90 percent of the world's rough diamond producers, Minister Ootes gave a presentation on our secondary diamond industry and participated in a panel discussion. Representation at this conference laid the groundwork for future partnerships between NWT businesses and world-class diamond producers.

On June 5th in Yellowknife, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development Minister Joseph Handley and Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jake Ootes met with President Charles Bornstein and representatives of the Diamond High Council (HRD) of Antwerp, Belgium. The Diamond High Council has proven to be an excellent partner which supported our vision for secondary diamond industries in the North when few others did. Together, we are working to establish a polished diamond grading facility in the NWT.

On June 6th, Minister Ootes and Commissioner Glenna Hansen traveled to Fort Liard to represent the GNWT and join the community, Acho Dene Koe Holdings and Chevron Canada Resources and take part in their "First Gas" celebrations. The linking of the K29 pipe to the Pointed Mountain Pipeline will bring lasting benefits to the people of Fort Liard. It exemplifies the achievement that can be reached when northern communities demonstrate initiative and determination in pursuing maximum benefits from the development of their natural resources, and when industry demonstrates a willingness to partner with northern businesses. I am very proud of the achievements of Chief Harry Deneron and the people of Fort Liard and hope that they inspire other Northerners to dream big and reach high.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT participated in the tourism industry's Rendezvous Canada, held from May 6th through the 11th in Calgary, Alberta, which gave us the opportunity to highlight the reasons why the NWT is beginning to become a destination of choice for visitors from all over the world.

At a time when the Canadian dollar struggles to compete in world markets, Canada has become a popular vacation option for Canadians, and a bargain for the international traveller. The time has never been better to let the world know that the NWT continues to offer tourists a unique and memorable travel experience.

We are committed to promoting the export of tourism products and services to enhance the diversification of the NWT economy and to support our local business community. As we move further into our term, we will continue to work with all of you on additional opportunities to market our tourism potential.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, as we work to realize our vision, the steps we are taking are gaining attention in the national and international spotlight. In this way, we are working to secure a more meaningful and better understood place for ourselves on the national agenda.

On March 29, the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, announced the sale to Stebbins, Alaska of a seniors' complex that was developed using NWT expertise.

This $1 million complex is being built as a pilot project between the NWT Housing Corporation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Under the terms of the deal, NWT contractors are building the complex using local labour, NWT suppliers and manufacturers are providing the materials, and Aurora College is conducting pre-employment training for Alaskans who will work on the project.

Minister Allen also attended the 2000 North American Fur Fashion Exposition held in Montreal from May 3rd through the 6th. The Mackenzie Valley Fur Collection, which was developed to increase awareness of wild fur from the NWT, was a sell-out at this international event. Minister Allen participated in a panel discussion on the fur industry and lifestyles where he discussed the importance of the trapping industry to the livelihoods and traditional lifestyles of many northern people. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development continues to work within the Fur Marketing Strategy to increase economic opportunities for territorial residents active in the fur industry.

As part of the NWT trade delegation, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Honourable Jim Antoine, traveled to Alaska to represent the GNWT. The pilot project is a continuation of NWTHC efforts to market NWT goods and services to other parts of the circumpolar world. This type of undertaking not only highlights internationally that the NWT has world-class expertise to offer, it helps to build the partnerships that will ensure a diversified economy for the Northwest Territories in the years to come.

I should also mention that the GNWT, represented by Minister Ootes, has engaged in partnership with diamond industry representatives from Belgium, Germany, the United States and South Africa. This partnership has resulted in the first international standards for diamond polishers in the world. Again, the NWT has demonstrated it has the skills to be leaders in cutting-edge initiatives.

On April 4th, the business council on national issues, CEO Summit 2000, was held in Toronto, at which I represented the GNWT. These business council events, attended by key players in industry and business, the shapers of public opinion, allow us to educate others about the challenges involved in improving the well-being of Northerners, the opportunities we provide, the progress we have made and the assistance we need to reach our goals.

The NWT is gaining attention in the national press. In this way, we will be able to further inform the wider public and develop the identity of the Northwest Territories throughout Canada and abroad. Perhaps with the activity we are generating, we will come to be seen as an attractive place of business and industry, with an energetic, entrepreneurial population striving for unity and prosperity -- a "have" territory that is a contributor to the nation.

Mr. Speaker, sometimes success can be measured in small steps -- in the incremental measures of progress that move us toward achievement of our goals and fulfillment of our vision. When I last addressed this Assembly, I made a commitment to this House to put in place a way to measure our results in the next four years. I intend to stand up one day and report to this Assembly how the foundation of partnerships and solid, respectful working relationships that we have established are paying concrete, measurable results.

We are still in the early days. Before we can be measured by our results, we have to build relationships and earn trust. Today, I have shown this House how we are doing this preliminary work, how we are setting the stage and laying the foundation for achieving our goals. We are generating energy and enthusiasm. We are developing support for shared goals and initiatives and we are forging new bonds. This is the basis upon which we have started to build the momentum that will move us forward towards a better tomorrow. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Premier Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Minister Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the cadets we see here in the Legislative Assembly this week are representative of air and army cadets of the Northwest Territories. Some of the cadet units in the NWT have been in existence for over 35 years. Today, there are nine army cadet corps and one air cadet squadron in the Northwest Territories, where the cadets' program continues to enrich the lives of hundreds of our youth.

Therefore, today in the House, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the NWT cadet movement in the Northwest Territories.

The primary focus of the cadet organization is citizenship. It aims to develop in our youth the foundations of good citizenship so that they will become valued and contributing members of society. We need not look further for examples than the fine young pages that are here today in the House.

We have also seen the cadet displays outside put on by the Rae-Edzo Cadet Corps and by the two Yellowknife cadet units. This afternoon, at the break, we look forward to the reception and the demonstrations.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has also recognized the contributions that the cadet movement can make to the education of our youth. Through designated cadet courses taken at summer camps, cadets can receive high school credits.

The cadet movement depends upon a large number of volunteers. Volunteers lead the cadet corps and squadrons. Volunteers are active on parent or sponsoring committees and sit on league executives. I would like to pay tribute to those volunteers and thank them for their generous donation of time and effort. Their valued abilities and dedication are truly appreciated.

We would not have cadets without the Canadian Forces, therefore, I would also like to thank them and their northern based personnel for the tremendous work they do for cadets. It is truly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I know that we all wish air and army cadets, their leaders and their civilian sponsors all the best in the future, secure in the knowledge that they have captured our interest and that they have our support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Vince Steen will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to meet with the federal Minister of Transportation in Toronto, Ontario.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.