Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my question is for the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Mr. Speaker, I know for a number of years now in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the aboriginal groups have been negotiating land claims. Until that is settled, there are a lot of grey areas. However, precedence has shown that those claims that are finalized, the aboriginal people retain ownership of the land and resources.
The question I have for the Minister today deals with the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act assessment and permission for allowing to proceed in the Pine Point area.
The community of Fort Resolution is concerned greatly, as is the Akaitcho Territory Government, over this issue. What is the intention of the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development dealing with Mr. Patterson's requests to mill in the Pine Point area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.