Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Communities all across our North strive

towards self-reliance and self-sufficiency. I’m pleased to speak about Nahanni Butte today, the community in my riding that took a big step towards this.

Last month the community of Nahanni Butte and Canadian Zinc signed an impact benefit agreement for the development and operation of the Prairie Creek mine. There was a commitment for jobs, training and community contributions. This impact benefits agreement is an example of how First Nation communities and industry can work together to advance interest on both sides.

The agreement is thanks in part to the hard work and dedication of Chief Fred Tesou and former Chief Morris Vital, the Nahanni band council, and many community members of Nahanni Butte. Our people have a lot to bring to this project and I believe that both Canadian Zinc and community leadership have made a wise decision to work together for mutual benefit.

Like other leaders in my region, I hear every day about small communities that struggle with unemployment and lack of economic development opportunities. Canadian Zinc has already established an office in Fort Simpson and continues to advance the mine towards production, which is currently undergoing environmental assessment by the review board. The mine’s lifespan is estimated to be about 20 years but the company has identified potential for many more years after that.

In operation, the mine will directly employee about 220 people and be an economic boon to the region. Now that the agreement is in place, it is up to the people to make the most of the opportunity it offers, especially our youth. Leadership needs to ensure continued communication and collaboration with Canadian Zinc to ensure that the impact benefits agreement, opportunities and benefits are delivered as intended.

Achieving the objectives of the IBA will need the support of the Government of the Northwest Territories in training and business development programs to help the community to take advantage of the employment and business opportunities from the project. I am pleased that Nahanni Butte and Canadian Zinc were willing to move ahead with this agreement and I look forward to the benefits that this mine project has to offer to Nahanni Butte and the Deh Cho region, and the Northwest Territories.