Mr. Speaker, yesterday over 60 representatives from the media, oil and gas industry, aboriginal governments, municipal governments and this Legislature met in Inuvik to celebrate the onset of drilling at the Petro Canada-Akita Well at Swimming Point and the return of the oil and gas industry to the Mackenzie Delta. There is good reason to celebrate. This winter, the oil and gas industry has hired 800 people and is spending $160 million in the Mackenzie Delta.

Over dinner, my colleagues, the Honourable Vince Steen, Mr. Dent, Mr. Roland, Mr. Miltenberger, Mr. Krutko and Mr. Bell heard about the differences between this economic boom and 25 years ago. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that change has taken place and the oil and gas industry is working in true partnership with aboriginal governments, our government and communities. Together, they are expanding the traditional range of benefits from employment and business development to training, equity participation and community development.

Mr. Speaker, I also saw evidence that the tourism industry is growing. An Oilman's Curling Bonspiel was held for the first time in 15 years while we were there and brought in people from Calgary and Edmonton. As well, when we landed, the airport was full of red jacketed, Fulda representatives. Fulda is a German company that is promoting its tires by hosting an adventure competition that traveled along the Dempster Highway and ended in Tuktoyaktuk. I believe that the international media coverage of this event and the experiences of the competitors, especially with our exceptional winter weather, will result in increased tourism for this area.

As the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, I was very encouraged with what I saw and heard in Inuvik. The department will continue to work with its many partners to ensure that the economic activities in the Mackenzie Delta continue to grow and provide maximum benefits to northern residents and businesses.

-- Applause