Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On February 28, 2019, the Fraser Institute released a 2018 annual survey of mining and exploration companies. The survey is an attempt to assess how mineral endowment and public policy factors such as taxation and regulatory uncertainty affect exploration investments.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT Industry, Tourism and Investment Department developed the mineral development strategy, which I must say is bearing evidence of results, which we know take some time, productive time, for Indigenous collaboration, industry marketing presentations, advertisement campaigns, capital investments for geology core sample inventory. Bearing results are now shown from the Fraser Institute news release. The NWT is the 10th most desirable mining investment spot on the planet and ranked fourth in mineral potential worldwide. This is improved from the 21st position held last year.
Mr. Speaker, an overall Investment Attractiveness Index is constructed by combining the Best Practices Mineral Potential index, which rates Geology and Policy Perception index, principles of a survey that has placed the NWT jurisdiction in the global investors community. I am confident this recognition will be maintained and exceeded by the department staff and inserted in our 18th Assembly mandate reports.
Mr. Speaker, historically, the mining industry held significant landholdings in the Sahtu, a land area covering 16 percent of the territory. On diversification through essential resource development planning, later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI. Mahsi.