Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, first I would like express my appreciation to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for his statement on the northern accord. I applaud his efforts to include all the aboriginal stakeholder organizations in the
decision-making process for the implementation of this important accord.
Madam Speaker, in the Deh Cho, there has been considerable pressure upon the communities of Kakisa and Fort Providence to open the Cameron Hills area to oil and gas development. It seems to me that the federal government is offering the oil and gas industry strong support for opening this area for exploration.
I would like to publicly thank the oil and gas companies for recognizing our interest in the area and not pursuing any exploration programs. Once the issue of jurisdiction is resolved in the area, I am confident we will be able to work with the oil and gas companies to develop the area's potential.
In a related matter, Madam Speaker, a diamond exploration company was granted to do some test drilling just north of Fort Providence. The permission was granted by the federal government. People in my constituency had some very valid concerns about the lack of consultation with the community about the drilling program. A meeting was held between the community and Gerle Gold Exploration Company. At this meeting, an agreement was made not to proceed with the drilling program at this time. I would like to thank Gerle Gold for the time to hear and act upon Fort Providence's concern. I would also like to thank the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for his commitment to aboriginal organizations in the Northwest Territories in ensuring that they are more involved in the implementation of the northern accord.
I would also like to state that although I have seen a better relationship developing between the government and the aboriginal organizations, I still have a single concern regarding the implementation of the northern accord. The concern is that the land in the Northwest Territories receives priority consideration over the mining industry. The environment has always and will forever be the priority of the aboriginal people. Aboriginal people have a special relationship with the land.
Madam Speaker, can I get unanimous consent to conclude my statement?