Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In today's economic environment, the heading in any major newspaper could read "Land-based Economy in Conflict with Commerce-based Economy." Mr. Speaker, during the last few days, a workshop was held at the Northern United Place between members of the non-government organizations, industry representatives, renewable resource councils, hunters' and trappers' committees and other vested interest groups.
Mr. Speaker, I was informed that much of the work done is not about alcohol and drugs as much as about grief. It's about the loss of a culture which few Canadians are aware of. The work of this group, as I am to understand, is about how we begin to manage the shift, making the transition from a land-based economy into a commerce-based one.
Mr. Speaker, undoubtedly there are many expectations from communities for this government to support this shift in economics, education, culture and employment-driven
policy. One major expectation we've seen from our observations is that everyone must work in the diamond or oil and gas industry, Mr. Speaker. These expectations will never be met, Mr. Speaker. Why would it not? Mr. Speaker, we know only too well that people must prepare years in advance before they become proficient in any trade or occupation and, in our case, being political masters in our own land.
Mr. Speaker, in my consultations, people who work in the communities have expressed that we need to educate ourselves on how industry and government work. The people need to know what kind of benefits a pipeline deal offers in the context of socioeconomic agreements and land-access agreements.
Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult to fit into a two-and-a-half-minute statement all the variables that need to be considered in the overall shift in our economic growth. What I want to state very early is the work of these groups is highly recognized and appreciated in my riding. Therefore, I want to see this government make a concerted effort to support a land-based economy until such time as individuals, Northwest Territorians, make the full transition into a commerce-based economy.
I want to wish the participants of these workshops a continued success in their work and endeavours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause