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.