On the Competition Bureau's definition of a Canadian diamond, they have already done that. They have already identified it about two years ago and we have been opposed to that definition from the beginning. It's an ongoing process and we can't just do it on our own. We have to convince the board and we are working with the federal Ministers. We are also talking to our counterparts in the other provinces, as they are eventually going to become Canadian producers. Our intention is to try to change this definition. The way the Competition Bureau views it is you can take a Canadian diamond that is mined from BHP or Diavik and you can take it out of the country and have it cut and polished outside the country and bring it back and still say it's a Canadian diamond. We are saying the true Canadian diamond should be one that is mined in the North and cut and polished in the North, preferably here in the NWT in Yellowknife where the existing manufacturers are. This will create a secondary industry and have more diamonds cut here. We have employment here. We have training here. We already have some manufacturing facilities out at the airport. They are expanding them and there are new ones coming up. So it's frightening us. If that definition sticks, then we are going to have a problem in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Jim Antoine on Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
In the Legislative Assembly on March 5th, 2003. See this statement in context.
Bill 3: Appropriation Act, 2003-2004
Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 5th, 2003
Page 533
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
See context to find out what was said next.