Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In areas where legislated authority does not exist, it is the committee’s view that the Government of the Northwest Territories must exercise its moral authority to represent and act in the best interest of the people of the Northwest Territories, and promote sound management of our land and resources. The Government of the Northwest Territories has long experience in ensuring that residents’ voices are heard in resource development initiatives, but the time has come for it to assume responsibility for more active policy development as well.

The Calgary study tour and preceding information-gathering helped Members better understand the challenges and opportunities for the further development of the central Mackenzie Valley shale resource play, and the high priority of addressing these issues. In its exploratory phase alone, oil and gas development is generating significant activity in Sahtu communities. The sustainability and success of this industry relies on how the Northwest Territories responds to the risks and opportunities at hand and the steps we take to ensure adequate environmental and geological information, public involvement and regulatory processes before production. To facilitate production in the most socially, environmentally and economically responsible way, the Northwest Territories must establish its own policy to guide the practice of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing within its jurisdiction.

Recommendation 8

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days that includes a plan to develop a policy on hydraulic fracturing.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure on the August 2012 Hydraulic Fracturing Study Tour.