Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by Mr. Bill Braden, MLA, Great Slave, on March 13, 2003, regarding the polar bear logo agreement between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Sirius Diamonds Limited.

As the Member had indicated in the House, the settlement agreement between the GNWT and Sirius Diamonds Limited is a business arrangement. As with many such business arrangements, there are some confidential elements, which need to be respected. Whether or not there was a payment made by Sirius Diamonds Limited for the exclusive right to use a polar bear on the girdle of a polished diamond is one such element of the agreement that is confidential.

I can assure you that, through this agreement, the interests and trademark assets of the GNWT have been protected and we have ensured the ability of the GNWT to manage and control the polar bear trademarks globally. Mahsi cho.