During the discussion of the possible reorganization of energy initiatives, the issue of environmental protection arose. While the committee recognizes that environmental protection is largely a federal responsibility, members would like to be assured that the GNWT is monitoring the environment to prevent possible oversights by the federal government.

The committee noted that the Premier, in his recent address to the people of the Northwest Territories of January 11, 2002, stated:

Let me state categorically, this government is committed to ensuring that the land is protected for all our future generations, and for the duration of our term, we will continue to work and to organize ourselves in ways that better reflect the important balance between environmental management and resource development.

The committee recognizes that the federal government must do its share of the cleanup of sites throughout the North. However, the committee acknowledges that the territorial government also has a responsibility to its residents to ensure that they live in a clean, safe environment. The committee looks forward to reviewing the environmental options paper being prepared by Minister Antoine.

That concludes the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development's report on the Executive offices. Thank you.