Yes, Mr. Chairman, I have opening comments. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the 2003-2004 main estimates for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. The main estimates propose total operational expenses of $85.509 million for 2003-2004. This is a $2.935 million or 3.6 percent increase from 2002-2003. There are no new initiatives but additional funding is proposed for a number of forced growth initiatives. The proposed capital infrastructure acquisition plan requests $2.935 million.

The proposed main estimates reflect the continuation of existing departmental initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting the environment while fostering the prudent and sustainable development of both renewable and non-renewable resources. I will now highlight the major initiatives that the department is undertaking this upcoming fiscal year.

Mr. Chairman, the Northwest Territories has experienced an unprecedented level of economic growth during the past few years. Our challenge today is to build on that growth, to encourage it, and to balance it with a resolute stewardship of our natural environment.

The department will undertake a number of major initiatives to protect the environment. Firstly, the proposed $1 million investment in the western NWT biophysical study will gather the baseline data needed to measure the impact of natural gas development on the land, air, water and wildlife. As well, the number and focus of wildlife studies conducted will increase and expand this year. These studies will determine the health and status of both endangered species, such as wood bison, as well as other species, including moose, grizzly bears and caribou.

Second, the department is currently developing and implementing new regulations to protect the environment. We will create new regulations governing the proper handling of used oil and waste fuels, revise the existing contaminated sites guideline to incorporate current Canadian standards, and develop a new air quality code of practice for the oil and gas industry.

Third, in June we intend to introduce the Waste Reduction and Recovery Act to create a legislative framework for a territory-wide waste recovery and reduction program that will include beverage containers. This should reduce the amount of waste going to land fill sites.

Fourth, to ensure that environmental and socio-economic impacts from northern development are fully considered, the department will expand its environmental assessment unit to increase the number of staff handling the environmental reviews of various projects in the NWT. There was $335,000 allocated in forced growth to fund these environmental assessment initiatives.

The department's role in protecting the environment is critical to maintain the healthy wildlife and forest resources that are the basis of the renewable resource economy and tourism. The department will continue with the following initiatives in these sectors.

Trapping is an important part of northern life and continues to provide seasonal income for many people living in our smaller communities. The department has increased the number of species covered under the fur pricing program and is developing further changes to the payment schedule of the program. Meetings with trappers will be held later this year to finalize changes to the fur pricing program before the next fur-trapping season that begins in November 2003. Our goal is to improve the opportunity for existing trappers to maximize their returns and to encourage new entrants into fur harvesting.

A healthy arts and crafts sector in the Northwest Territories will provide income for our residents, diversify our economy and promote our unique cultures around the world. The report of the NWT Arts Strategy Advisory Panel will guide the development of an effective arts and crafts strategy in the Northwest Territories during the next year.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has joined the federal government, the provinces and Yukon territory in signing two major agricultural agreements, the agricultural risk management agreement and the agriculture policy framework agreement. Together, these agreements will provide a framework able to support cost-shared initiatives valued at up to $2.5 million over a five-year period.

Mr. Chairman, the Northwest Territories is a major tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The proposed amendments to the Territorial Parks Act will enable us to better protect and preserve our territorial parklands, and plan more effectively for sustained economic development.