Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I had some questions in regard to the petroleum industry in terms of I think it's been stated that in terms of the potential outlook for this industry to exist and operate in the NWT, you know there's no prospect of, or likely any form, activity in this economic sector for the next 10 years. So understanding that, over the course of at least the past three years or so we've seen a fairly consistent decline in terms of petroleum resources in terms of how this department engages oil and gas companies in terms of their activity in the NWT plus communities as well. So significantly over the past year the resources and funding for this area has been dramatically reduced.
So I'm just trying to understand, you know, if it is indeed during a period of lull where there is no activity. It begs to question of what's the focus of this department in terms of ensuring, and at the very minimum we have at least maybe a unit that could be mobilized quickly if the markets reach their ideal prices where it's economical for companies to start exploring and working the oil and gas industry in the Mackenzie Valley, or the NWT for that matter.
So I understand the Minister has stated that there is going to be an Oil and Gas Development Strategy. I mean, how much attention and focus should be of this government to ensure that we also explore the idea of developing alternative energies? You know, we just had a dilemma of transporting goods down the Mackenzie Valley and, because of climate change, the water levels have affected the operations of a barging company that brings goods to northern remote communities.
The point is that, you know, our community is very reliant on diesel energy and diesel as a source of fuel. At the same time, should we be looking at maybe putting efforts to remediate abandoned wells in terms of our obligations of taking on more responsibility through the devolution agreement? Mahsi. If the Minister could maybe provide some insight into that. Mahsi.