Thank you and good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is about resource development in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, negotiations are continuing to find a way for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to grant approval on the construction of the Diavik diamond project. I acknowledge that much work and effort has been underway to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. I am optimistic that these negotiations can be successful. I look forward to seeing the project move ahead. I believe that all the environmental and monitoring issues can be addressed to the satisfaction of the parties.

Mr. Speaker, this process raises many broader questions about how mining and other resource projects are treated and dealt with in the Northwest Territories. I can only hope that all parties are learning from this process.

We need to direct our energies to further streamline the system to provide more clarity and certainty. This will require improved coordination of the authority and responsibilities of all the parties. The ground rules need to be clear at the beginning. Mr. Speaker, we can do a better job. It is vital, at a time when the people of the Northwest Territories need more jobs, business opportunities, and revenues to run our programs and services, that we send the right signals to our people and to those looking at further developments north of 60. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later today, I will be asking a question of the government on this subject.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize an elder and a youth. I would like to acknowledge my mother Esther. From several countries in the world, exchange students are guests of families here in Yellowknife for the year and students at Sir John Franklin High School. We have Miss Suteera Boonlua from Thailand; Mr. Yuki Hirata from Japan; Shyrley Larroso of Paraquay; and Veronique Collin of Belgium.

-- Applause

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize three individuals who were a great help to me in the campaign, Ms. Hilary Jones, Mr. John Argue, and Julia Mott from First Air in the Northwest Territories. Thank you very much.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to add my congratulations and express my faith and trust in you, the Premier and Cabinet-elect to lead us into the new North that is before us.

My riding, the new riding of Great Slave, is a very interesting and diverse part of Yellowknife and of the Northwest Territories. I am very honoured and grateful to have the privilege to represent this new riding of Great Slave. I will endeavor to return that trust and confidence with integrity and will resolve to be an open, accountable and hard working Member.

The decision to run in an election is a personal one, but once taken, it is one that demands the help and support of many other people. My family, my campaign people and of course, the voters, have done that. I am committed to this election and I am pleased to be here as a proponent of change and evolution in our young democracy, Mr. Speaker.

I want to build on the foundations that were so well built and so hard earned by our predecessors in this House and in many other assemblies in the North. I want to help build an even better way of delivering government to our people and to give our children an even more secure foundation for their future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause