Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. When we talk about economic recovery and diversification, I like to think that we will have meaningful dialogue between the Regular Members on this side of the House and the Cabinet Members. The residents of the Northwest Territories are counting on us to ensure a future that will provide stability in the workforce and economic prosperity for all of the communities of the Northwest Territories. The youth of our territory are counting on us to set a future that will provide them with opportunities for training and with jobs that will provide valuable work experiences.

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to work together as a consensus government to deal with an economy that is declining should we ever want to continue to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The diamond mines are nearing the end of their economic value. We have already seen what has happened to the Ekati Diamond Mine and its effects on the employees and the lost revenue to the government. This will mostly likely be the same fate the other two mines, Diavik and Gahcho Kue. These diamond mines have brought economic life to our territory when it was needed most as we saw the closure of one of the largest mines in the NWT, Giant Mine. We are coming upon critical times in the history of the Northwest Territories related to the economic climate. There must be a willingness to adapt to our changing economic reality.

Let's say the head of the household loses their job and with it his wages that was able to buy the much-needed fuel for heat. Now they are left with no other option but to heat their home with wood and adapt to make this work. We need to work together with a common vision for the future. The future that relies on prudent spending and ways to save the millions of dollars squandered on diesel products and look at using our natural resources. This, in turn, will stimulate local economies in all of our communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.