Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that Inuvik is still disappointed the government has not decided to put the Mackenzie Valley pipeline office in our town where the leaders of Inuvik believe it

should be. It is a decision I still hope the government will reconsider at some time.

Today, I would like to discuss moving the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment's minerals, oil and gas office out of Yellowknife and into Inuvik.

---Applause

I have every faith that my community would do a great job of managing that office for the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, at some point in time, this government is going to have to establish some of the responsibility for oil and gas and administration to where there actually is a pipeline. Inuvik is the hub of the gas and oil industry of the NWT. We have shown unprecedented initiative by hosting the Inuvik petroleum show which attracts people from across North America. We have an on-land gas production field. We have the pipeline and gathering systems near Inuvik. We have the office space, and we have the staff accommodation. Finally, if the pipeline construction goes ahead, we will have a 1,300-person camp within 20 kilometres of Inuvik. All we do need, Mr. Speaker, is for the government to recognize the reality of where all the gas and natural anchor fields are going to be.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important matter to my community. I'd like to encourage the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment to continue his discussions with the mayor of Inuvik on the transfer of minerals, oils and gas office. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.