Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier and it's in regards to the ongoing labour dispute between the Ekati diamond mine and the UNW, Mr. Speaker. I made a statement at the beginning of this session about how difficult this situation is for both parties involved. I have written to the Premier on this issue, as well. I am sensitive to the complexities on this. It is an issue that involves two parties in the private sector and it does involve issues under the jurisdiction of the federal government which has the responsibility of labour and other areas. But having said all that, this is an industry that's important for the North. There are workers who are without an agreement, and I was hoping, and I've said in this House, and I think we were all hoping that there will be an agreement, but that is not happening. One of the suggestions that I made to the Premier was whether or not he'd be willing to appoint a Premier's envoy to see if he could meet with the two parties and see if there's anything the government can do to bring the two parties together or to accommodate, facilitate. I realize it's a sensitive matter, but I was reading a book yesterday and President Clinton, you know, jumped in on when the baseball game went on a strike. There's a role for the governors like us to look and see what we can do. So I'd like to know what the Premier is thinking on this issue. Thank you.
Sandy Lee on Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute
In the Legislative Assembly on June 2nd, 2006. See this statement in context.
Question 36-15(5): Ekati Mine Labour Dispute
Item 6: Oral Questions
June 1st, 2006
Page 87
See context to find out what was said next.