Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a controversial issue raised by the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development in an interview he did yesterday regarding the possibility of three dams on the Mackenzie River. I have received several calls from my constituency wondering what is going on.

I feel that before any statements are made or any ideas are put on the table, we should consult the people who are going to be affected, especially when we have for years been battling the Bennett Dam project in BC, where we have seen the effects up and down the Mackenzie Valley and the Mackenzie Delta regarding water levels.

Yet, Mr. Speaker, there has not been any consultation. This idea has come out of thin air. Mr. Speaker, we have seen what has happened in other jurisdictions in Canada, such as Quebec and the Quebec hydro projects, and also the effect of the Bennett Dam.

Mr. Speaker, I for one feel that there must be a time for debate. There must be a time to ensure people will continue to have water resources in the Northwest Territories. For us as a government to take such a hard stand at this time shows that there is definitely...