Bob McLeod

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 10, Northwest Territories Lands Act, be read for the third time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. We had a meeting with our Aboriginal government leaders on March the 7th where we discussed the Intergovernmental Council and the proceedings and all of the different leaders all raised some of the issues of concern to them. Certainly, the Sahtu Secretariat leadership expressed issues that they are interested in and together we’ll work to deal with these issues. I don’t recall, I don’t think fracking was raised, but there is a body through this government that will deal with it, as the Minister of ENR has indicated would be coming out with a document on that as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We were participants in the negotiation of land claim agreements and we certainly stand by what was negotiated. The Devolution Final Agreement provides for non-abrogation of treaties or land claims. We have that language throughout the Devolution Final Agreement where there will be no negative impacts on those areas. Where or if it ever happens then what’s in the land claim would trump what’s in the Devolution Agreement. Thank you.

If ratified by the parties, a signing ceremony will be held possibly this summer of 2014 or maybe sooner. We see an effective date for the final agreement occurring in 2016. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very pleased to recognize all GNWT employees who worked on the devolution file that are here in the gallery. There are too many to name, but I’ll ask them to stand up and be recognized and also accept our thanks. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I think we found the applicable section, so through you, if I can get Ms. McLaughlin to provide it.

Yes, I would, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Section 5 in this legislation, it’s not prescriptive, but I’m sure our Aboriginal government partners would be willing… They’ll be setting their own rules and I’m sure that part of that will be looking at having open public meetings. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, I would, Madam Chair.

I understand where the Member is coming from; he’s being very consistent with his comments. The Legislative Assembly will be an integral part of any review that’s undertaken. Thank you, Mr. Chair.