Thank you, Mr. Speaker. June 9 to 14 is Mining Week, a promotional event sponsored by the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines. It’s an opportunity for the Chamber to show the public what miners do and how the mining industry benefits Northerners and Canadians in general.
The North has a long history of mining as a driver of our economy. Yellowknife in particular has been and still is dependent on mining. Since 1937, when the first gold mining camp was established here, the mining industry has been the foundation of Yellowknife’s economy.
Some of the gold mines established over the years were Burwash Mine, Con Mine, Negus Mine, Giant Mine, Ptarmigan Mine and Colomac Mine. All are now closed, with the two biggest mines –– Con and Giant –– shut down in 2003 and 2005, respectively.
A community’s character is often set by its history. For Yellowknife, the influence the gold mines have had on this city will likely never be forgotten. Since the closure of the two major gold mines, Yellowknife has managed to maintain its vibrant economy due to the opening of three diamond mines north of here. The economy is now closely linked to diamond mining instead of gold mining, and Yellowknife’s trademark is now Diamond Capital of North America.
Mining Week celebrates our mining heritage, our mining industry, both past and present, and mine rescue competitions, hotly contested by teams from our northern mines. The activities get underway today. Residents can check out the new diamond displays at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre. Today through Thursday they can tour mine training simulators at Aurora College, and learn how to operate a loader, a haul truck, or a tunnel bolter. Wednesday they can take in the NWT Mining Heritage Society annual general meeting. It’s a barbecue, picnic and tours of Giant Mine. Friday and Saturday they can observe the annual Mine Rescue Competition. And last but not least, they can attend the Miner’s Picnic on Saturday. Yellowknife Community Arena will be the place to be on June 14.
I urge Members and Yellowknife residents to take advantage of these Mining Week festivities. Northern mining brought us to where we are today and will take us forward as the NWT moves into the
future. Your attendance at events will show miners that you respect their contributions to our society, both past and present.