Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our mining, oil and gas industries rely on modern, accessible geoscience information to make investment and land use decisions. The Northwest Territories Geoscience Office provides governments, industry, Aboriginal organizations and many other stakeholders with up-to-date, easily accessible geoscience information. This information is key to encouraging investment in mineral and petroleum exploration.

Reliable geoscience data is vital to encourage exploration in areas with high resource potential, which in turn contributes to the sustainability of Northwest Territories industries, which translates into opportunities for our businesses and jobs for our residents. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in government-funded geosciences in the NWT, five dollars are in turn spent by mineral exploration companies.

This year is an important one as it marks the 10th anniversary of the NWT Geoscience Office in its modern, purpose-built location, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, both notable achievements.

The vision that created the NWT Geoscience Office – one of strength through partnership – has clearly been successful, and the relationship between federal and territorial geoscientists remains healthy to this day. Much of this stems from the vision of a new building to house everyone under one roof.

I want to thank the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada colleagues for committing to that important step more than 10 years ago.

The experiment has been a success and we now have a group that provides us with insights on our post-devolution world. Staff provide coordinated and efficient government services.

The 40-year longevity of the Geoscience Forum is also a remarkable achievement and I want to congratulate the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines in reaching this historic milestone this year. The forum is many things to many people: a meeting place, a place to exchange information and ideas, a social event, a place to do business and an opportunity for our southern neighbours to

understand Yellowknife winters. There is no other conference quite like it and newcomers continually marvel at all that is offered. It is the biggest conference in the North. Last year saw over 800 people registered for the event and this year promises to have the same high turnout.

The technical program has expanded this year with the inclusion of non-research-oriented presentations on topics related to exploration, mining, and petroleum development in Canada's North. This will provide another means for us to learn about some of the products and services and work that contribute to our northern economy.

I would also like to thank both the Chamber of Mines and the NWT Geoscience Office for all their work in hosting this annual event, and congratulate them on a successful 40 years.

I am also pleased to announce that the NWT Geoscience Office, through the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, will soon be hiring its first permafrost scientist. We all know that understanding how permafrost responds to climate and environmental change is an important topic for our future. Not only do we need to understand these changes, we also must know how to mitigate the resulting effects on our infrastructure and the environment.

The permafrost scientist will help to lead these tasks in close coordination with other GNWT departments, and will influence the work of other mainly southern-based permafrost researchers, so that real and costly issues are being addressed. Especially when it comes to research, the NWT remains a land of opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, investing in geoscience programs attracts investment to our territory and creates spin-off exploration projects that will provide employment and business opportunities for NWT residents. We will continue to support the work of the NWT Geoscience Office, which supports this government’s goal of creating a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities that benefit our residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.