Bob McLeod

As we’ve been across the North meeting with Aboriginal governments, we’ve had quite a wide range of responses in our attempt to find common ground ranging from get on with it, get the deal done, and in one case there’s been a court case. We’ve had the Sahtu sign on. We’re still in discussions with others. I think the fundamental issue is with regard to the fact that the Devolution Agreement, the AIP is based on recognition of modern land claims and treaties. When you talk to the Dehcho and the Akaitcho, there’s a fundamental problem for them because they don’t agree with the written version of...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To date we have three Aboriginal governments that have agreed to negotiate a Devolution Final Agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada. We are in discussions with the Tlicho. We offered and we hosted a Dehcho leadership meeting which, unfortunately, we were unable to attend because of weather conditions. We have since agreed to continue talking on some matters that are important to both of our governments.

Similarly, we had an agreed upon meeting with the Akaitcho which was, unfortunately, cancelled because of the death of...

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that we continue to make progress on devolution, one of this Assembly’s major priorities.

Recently we saw the leaders of the Sahtu step forward to re-engage directly in devolution negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada, the Inuvialuit and Northwest Territory Métis Nation by signing the Agreement-in-Principle.

As the MLA for Sahtu has noted, the best way to influence negotiations is to be at the table. The devolution process is only made stronger with the Sahtu back at the table.

We hope to welcome other Aboriginal governments...

Thank you. The differences are that treaty land entitlements are built through the treaty process. So on that basis, it specifies what the Hay River Reserve or K’atlodeeche First Nation would be entitled to through that process. With regard to the comprehensive community-based process, it’s more of negotiating of a modern land claims treaty for that community. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories is a party, along with Canada, to the negotiations with the K’atlodeeche First Nations. Thank you.

As an extension of the comprehensive community-based agreement, the portion that would be negotiated for K’atlodeeche First Nation would be hived off of the larger Deh Cho process.

With regard to the Wildlife Act, the process that we have in place is there’s a seat at the table for the Dehcho First Nations and the K’atlodeeche First Nation, as I understand it, are part of that process. If they choose not to be part of that process, then there are a number of other avenues that are available to participate in the Wildlife Act process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Our government’s role is different, depending on what process is being negotiated. If the K’atlodeeche First Nation decides to go through the treaty land entitlement process or whether it chooses to go through the comprehensive community-based agreement process, those would be two different approaches. Through the treaty land entitlement process, the federal government is solely responsible for Indians on reserves. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Tom Beaulieu will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend the Council of the Federation Health Care Innovation Work Group in Victoria, British Columbia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As a government we’re very concerned about any reductions in any kinds of jobs in the Northwest Territories. As a matter of fact, it is a priority for us to focus on getting more people to live and work in the Northwest Territories. We certainly want to make sure that we keep the jobs that we have, and as a matter of fact, even increase it.

I have already written to the Government of Canada, asking for specific information as to quantify the cuts and also how the Northwest Territories will be affected.

I welcome comments and they do give good ideas on the other side. Thank you.