Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has undertaken significant efforts over the past several years to ensure that the benefits of secondary industries related to diamond mining are enjoyed by Northwest Territories residents;

AND WHEREAS the benefits of secondary diamond industries include employment opportunities and other economic and social benefits;

AND WHEREAS despite the concerted efforts of communities such as Hay River, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Rae-Edzo, all of the diamond cutting and polishing facilities are located in Yellowknife;

AND WHEREAS it is anticipated that De Beers diamond mine at Snap Lake will be in production by the year 2006;

AND WHEREAS the Premier has announced that he is confident that De Beers will honour a commitment for a Snap Lake of rough diamonds for processing in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS there is a strong need to support and enhance the economic and social conditions of all communities and regions through diversification of economic opportunity such as diamond processing;

AND WHEREAS whenever possible, our government should strive to ensure that the positive impact and benefits of resource development should be realized by a broad range of Northerners as articulated in our commitment to community economic development in "Towards a Better Tomorrow" and numerous other fora;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories was actively involved in the establishment of the existing cutting and polishing facilities through training and financial inducements for companies willing to locate in the North;

AND WHEREAS other communities also deserve the same amount of support in their efforts to identify and attract potential operators in the field of diamond processing;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that the Government of the Northwest Territories, immediately undertake the development of a strategy to secure a stable supply of NWT mined rough diamonds of an economic size and shape for cutting and polishing;

AND FURTHER that the strategies must encompass communities outside of Yellowknife to ensure the distribution of direct and residual benefits as widely as possible;

AND FURTHERMORE that the Government of the Northwest Territories ensure that this strategy is adequately resourced to provide assistance and support for communities wishing to participate in the secondary diamond industry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.