Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the eve of the last day of this Session, I would like to take a few minutes to express my appreciation for the significant role the diamond companies are playing in the North.
Mr. Speaker, there are some members of the public who believe that most of the diamond mine employees do not live in the Northwest Territories. This is not true. I recently attended a public information session held by BHP and learned that as of June 1, 2000, the company employs 440 Northerners, which constitutes 77 percent of their total workforce. Of that, 42 percent are northern aboriginals. As many as 272, or 62 percent, reside in the city of Yellowknife. As well, Mr. Speaker, this year the company has hired 35 summer students, 20 of whom are northern aboriginals, and 13 are northern non-aboriginals.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that they are here doing what they do because it is profitable. Regardless, I want to say emphatically that we appreciate every single job they create and every single dollar they spend in the North.
I must also say, Mr. Speaker, a good many of the diamond company employees live in my riding of Range Lake, not only employees of BHP, but also of Diavik and Winspear. I know that it is very important to them that we, as a government and as a people, recognize and appreciate the positive contribution they are making to our economy and our social fabric, as the mining industry in general has done over the many decades of history in the North.
This tremendous growth in jobs came at a very opportune time, Mr. Speaker, especially for our city. Perhaps this is why it has not been as noticeable. It absolutely softened the blow of job losses as a result of the Giant Mine shutdown. For that, I am ever so thankful to the industry for enabling us to move from a gold city to the diamond capital of North America with relatively little pain.
I would also like to recognize BHP, Diavik and Winspear for the countless financial sponsorships they provide to an array of community supporting events in the city and in small communities around the city. I think we will be hard-pressed to attend any major event these days where one or all of these companies are not the major sponsors.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that as I speak, all three diamond companies are currently navigating through the unchartered waters of our environmental regulatory process, ever so patiently and quietly. I want to express my support and encouragement to their efforts on behalf of the people of my riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause