Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about the need for strong leadership at this crucial time in the Northwest Territories' history.

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Land claims up and down the valley are either completed or under negotiations. Self-government will soon be a reality in many regions, changing the political landscape of the Northwest Territories. Leaders of First Nations groups across the Northwest Territories are in a strong position to negotiate the terms and conditions of future resource development in the best interests of their people.

Mr. Speaker, the potential benefits of the pipeline are significant. The Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline is expected to bring about the largest economic boom in the history of the Northwest Territories. The economic benefits for the Northwest Territories, if this opportunity is managed correctly, are enormous. Exploration of diamonds and other minerals continues. No doubt, there are more large-scale mining projects in the future.

Mr. Speaker, we are a territory that is rich in resources, and yet many of our people are still struggling to make ends meet. This won't change unless we can work together to negotiate the very best possible deals with resource companies and with the Government of Canada. I read the following quote about leadership not too long ago, and it struck me as how fitting for this time in the history of the Northwest Territories. I quote, "I started with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." According to the premise of this quote, leadership in the Northwest Territories has done well over the last decade. There are now more leaders working in the best interest of the people of Northwest Territories than ever before. However, as we all move our agendas forward, it is crucial that we not allow ourselves to fall prey to divide-and-conquer tactics by outsiders. We might agree to disagree on some things, but we all have a common interest in making sure we, as northerners, are the primary beneficiaries of resource development.