Bob Bromley

I would appreciate it if the Minister would find out whether we are intending to invoke the consult to modify process and if we do, will the Minister commit to making such proposed changes public at the time that they may be transmitted to the Joint Review Panel so that our public can participate meaningfully in the review process? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Menicoche. Seeing no other general comments on the slate, perhaps I’ll call on Mr. Ramsay for any motions he might be considering.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are intended to try and bring as much transparency as possible to the GNWT’s role in responding to the Joint Review Panel report. My first question is to the lead Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Could he describe the process that the GNWT will use to respond to the Joint Review Panel report and recommendations? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. At this point in time that appears to be all the… Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will offer general remarks outlining the approach I will take to our debate on the report of the Joint Review Panel. First I want to thank and congratulate the members of the panel for their thorough and dedicated work and thoughtful reflection of the mass of information and views presented.

Mr. Speaker, this huge report and its 176 recommendations reflect the many economic, social, cultural and environmental elements of this massive project. But for all its complexities, the result can really be summarized very simply. The report recommendations are summed up...

I’d like to call committee back to order and note that we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 62-16(4), NWT Main Estimates, 2010-2011, with a start by having general comments. I’d like to have a call for any general comments at this time. We’ll start with Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, committee. I’ll call the committee to order. What is the wish of the committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

I understand that. They have a very aggressive time schedule and I’m hoping we’re able to meet that. These are big questions and we’re going to have to be light on our feet here. Thank you for that information.

Does our government intend to participate in the National Energy Board final argument public hearing on the Mackenzie Gas Project scheduled for April 2010 in Yellowknife and Inuvik? If so, again I’m wondering how we will be involved.

The reason I’m asking these questions beyond the time frame is the order of events that happen is critical through transparency. I think the final deadline...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that had there been meaningful engagement, the Yellowknives Dene have the authority and would have been a meaningful partner in implementing the action required. My final question is: what plans does the government have for coming out of this ban with a new and even revolutionary approach to ensuring future cooperation that is effective and prevents such new confrontations? Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, given that there is no land claim settlement or binding co-management process with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Chief Drygeese region and that the Yellowknives Dene stated its opposition before the ban was announced, what authority does GNWT have to implement this ban? Thank you.