Mr. Speaker, the diamond mining companies have their own hiring policies and procedures in the different training programs they have. They have socio-economic agreements, impact benefit agreements with the surrounding First Nations. However, they also have been approached and have people working at the mines from other than the immediate surrounding areas, like Hay River and Fort Smith. I think that, if they were approached, they would also look at other places in the North. As the Minister, in our department we asked these questions and I think they might be open for it, but they were approached by Fort Smith and Hay River to see if they could have people from these communities work at the mines and they made arrangements for that to happen. So I do not see why other communities in other regions could not take the lead as well and open communications with the mining companies to see if, for example, the Mackenzie Delta people that you represent, honourable Member, if they want to work there perhaps they might be open to that. Thank you.
Jim Antoine on Question 306-14(6): Resource Development Employment Opportunities
In the Legislative Assembly on June 11th, 2003. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 306-14(6): Resource Development Employment Opportunities
Question 306-14(6): Resource Development Employment Opportunities
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 10th, 2003
Page 943
Jim Antoine Nahendeh
See context to find out what was said next.