Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has finalized our strategy to stimulate comprehensive and coordinated action and investment in non-renewable resource development by federal, territorial and aboriginal governments.

The Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy was developed at the encouragement of federal Finance Minister Paul Martin. First released in draft form last spring, the strategy underscores the urgency of the need to promote, prepare for and manage non-renewable resource development in the Northwest Territories.

Since the document was first released, our government has sought input from all stakeholders. These comments have been used to continually update and improve the strategy. It is the only comprehensive plan of action for non-renewable resource development that identifies all the issues that need to be addressed, irrespective of which government is responsible. The GNWT has been advocating the use of the Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy as a coordinating mechanism for discussion, decision making and action.

We have also used the strategy to argue for increased federal investment and to guide our actions and investment in areas of responsibility.

Total federal investment to date has been limited to $3.8 million in winter road bridge construction. Mr. Speaker, in the context of the $235 million in required investments that we requested, this is a pittance. It is our hope that the finalization of the strategy will give the federal government the impetus it needs to take action, especially given their continued responsibility for northern development. As well, the federal government needs to move forward aggressively with the territorial and aboriginal governments on devolution and resource revenue sharing.

Mr. Speaker, after almost a year of discussion and consultation, it is time to finalize the Non-Renewable Resource

Development Strategy. Now, we must fully direct our efforts to dealing with the actions outlined in the strategy.

In tabling this final strategy, I wish to reaffirm this government's commitment to continue to invest in the actions outlined in the Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, I call upon the federal government to join with us in making investment decisions now and working in partnership with us and aboriginal governments to see the strategy carried out. Thank you.

-- Applause