Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the responsibility for water in the Northwest Territories has been the primary responsibility of DIAND's water resource division. With the finalization of land claim agreements in some regions, provisions are in place to ensure the quality, quantity and rate of water flow through those lands remain unaltered.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, this government has in place environmental legislation and agreements designed to minimize or eliminate risk of environmental damage to our water resources.

Mr. Speaker, it is important for the residents of the Northwest Territories to recognize and understand that we as political representatives are effectively participating in the management of our water resources to ensure the sustainability and integrity for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, with the talk of pipelines, mines, forestry, new highway construction and dams on the Mackenzie River, I urge this government to confirm its commitment to the management of our water resources by providing this Assembly and the residents of the Northwest Territories with information on the level of the contaminants provided through direct participation in allocation of resources for water resource management, research, monitoring, identification of contaminated sites, clean up and enforcement by this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause