Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it's important to recognize when we talk about enforceability, there are many unknowns and there is risk involved in this. We think it's a risk that's worth taking. We think we are doing what we can to mitigate it and make sure we have some success in this industry. Essentially, two parties come together, a factory and the mine. They agree an assortment of goods be provided to that factory that best meets its needs. They come up with what they call a sample box and then the mine does what it can, does its best to match that sample at each site. Now, we don't know in future what the pipes that are being mined will look like, so it's entirely possible that what was once economic to cut and polish in the Northwest Territories, you could find a pipe that isn't. You could find that the next mine developed in the NWT is more similar to something like Argyle in Australia, where none of it would be fit for cutting and polishing here because of our high cost of labour. That isn't the case. We've been lucky. In terms of getting an ironclad agreement and contract in force that can take into account all the possible variations, it's very difficult, almost impossible to do. I think we are doing what we can to make sure that this industry is a success. I would say that with 150 people employed in this local industry, or thereabouts, it is a success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Brendan Bell on Question 399-15(4): Support Of The Secondary Diamond Industry In The Nwt
In the Legislative Assembly on February 14th, 2006. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 399-15(4): Support Of The Secondary Diamond Industry In The Nwt
Question 399-15(4): Support Of The Secondary Diamond Industry In The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 13th, 2006
Page 1006
See context to find out what was said next.