As a government, we recognize that it is very important to develop confidence. We have been working very hard at it to gain the confidence of the industry. We know the importance of exploration in the Northwest Territories. Those people that are filling out these surveys, like the Fraser Institute, have long memories. Some of them have been in the North a long time ago and haven't been back since. But we’ve done a lot of work in this area. We have developed a Mineral Development Strategy, which is a strategic plan to increase mineral exploration and mine development in order to ensure residents with a sustainable economy. Some of the ways that we are encouraging exploration is through the Mining Incentive Program where we spend $400,000 a year. We also have an Assessment Work Incentive, developing a regulatory roadmap for explorers; development of a Mineral Resources Act, as I said already; education and awareness, ensuring that our residents understand all aspects of the mineral industry in the Northwest Territories, and investment in infrastructure. As Minister of ITI, we contribute to the studies being conducted by the Department of Transportation in this regard. We are very heartened by the federal government's stated plans to invest in infrastructure in the North and throughout Canada. We see this investment in strategic infrastructure as very important in helping us gain more confidence for investors to come to the Northwest Territories.
Bob McLeod on Question 76-18(2): Encouraging Investment In Mineral Exploration
In the Legislative Assembly on February 29th, 2016. See this statement in context.
Question 76-18(2): Encouraging Investment In Mineral Exploration
Oral Questions
February 28th, 2016
See context to find out what was said next.