Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last month, I attended the National Roundtable on Canada's Diamond Industry hosted and organized by the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, federal Minister of Natural Resources Canada.
The roundtable brought together representatives from the diamond industry, federal, provincial and territorial governments to discuss the potential economic and social contributions of the industry to Canada from now until 2015.
Mr. Speaker, I believe this roundtable is a good indication that our efforts to raise the profile and issues associated with diamonds with the federal government are bearing fruit.
The Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and the Minister of State, Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, also attended the roundtable.
Diamond industry representation included exploration companies, mining companies, cutters and polishers, jewellery manufacturers and retailers from across Canada.
Delegates to the roundtable participated in a number of workshops addressing a number of issues facing the diamond industry in Canada. These include valuation, security, marketing of rough diamonds, marketing of polished diamonds, labour force development, business opportunities for aboriginal people and financing.
Observations, conclusions and recommendations were developed. One recommendation dealt with increasing cooperation among governments and industry to develop a skilled labour force, build aboriginal business capacity and ensure coordination, harmonization and financing of activities to build sustainable activities.
Another recommendation dealt with encouraging industry growth through changes to the existing tax structure and the importance of developing systems to maintain the credibility/integrity of the industry.
Delegates also agreed that infrastructure needs in remote northern areas need to be assessed. There was clear support for taking advantage of opportunities to market Canadian diamonds and industry expertise.
A complete report will be tabled at the upcoming federal/provincial/territorial Mines Ministers' conference in September.
Mr. Speaker, while this roundtable is a step forward in identifying issues and opportunities, we must continue to press the federal government and industry to take action. We cannot allow the momentum created by the roundtable to be wasted.
Our government will continue to move forward on the issue of labour force development. We will continue to work with the departments of Immigration and Human Resource Development Canada to develop a plan to address the needs of the diamond industry in the Northwest Territories.
I have also offered to host the next national roundtable on Canada's diamond industry. This will ensure that Northerners, and all Canadians, are able to explore the benefits and opportunities from the development of our natural resources. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause