Bob McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I see the mandate that has been developed as our way forward and it will be incorporated into all of the mandate letters of all of the Ministers. This will guide all of our discussions going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

That is something that we would negotiate with the K'atl'odeeche First Nation. There are two different aspects of it: one is who determines who goes into the houses; and secondly, who will do the maintenance. We would need a maintenance agreement and also, we would need an agreement with the K’atl’odeeche First Nation as to how the units would be allocated.

Just as an example, the Gwich'in rolling draft self-government agreement-in-principle is currently being negotiated by the Government of Northwest Territories, the Government of Canada, and the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The Gwich'in Tribal Council have expressed their desire to have the rolling draft completed by the end of March 2016. Both governments are committed to negotiating an agreement that meets everyone's interests as quickly as possible. However, there are several remaining outstanding issues to be resolved. We are going to work very hard to address these outstanding issues so that...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have made a commitment to work to negotiate all outstanding land claims in the 18th Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to table the following document entitled “Ministerial Mandates, 18th Legislative Assembly, March 1, 2016.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In the 17th Assembly, we developed a federal engagement strategy because we felt it was more effective and efficient if we had a very well-coordinated and limited number of asks, and I'm pleased to say that we were very successful in being able to advance our priorities with the federal government. We did seek input from the standing committee, and would be pleased to do that again.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Minister of ITI, we take these reports very seriously as our exploration and mining industry depends on being able to obtain permits in a timely manner. Of course, this is a concern for the Government of the Northwest Territories and proof that we need to improve on and streamline our policies, and make the necessary changes in order to attract and reinvigorate our mining and exploration sector.

We are also committed to regulatory streamlining. One of next steps in our process of devolution and evolution is to examine our legislation and related processes in support...

On June 25, 2013, the K'atl'odeeche First Nation approved the designation of six lots by majority vote, allowing Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada to issue 50-year federal Crown leases over the lots. Also, the NWT Housing Corporation has a loan guarantee for 10 lots for $900,000 with Peace Hills Trust to support previous years' construction of 10 KFN-owned housing units. Upon request of the K’atlodeeche First Nation, the NWT Housing Corporation has agreed to pay out the loan guarantees to Peace Hills Trust in return for ownership and land tenure over the 10 units.

On September 10, 2010...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm very pleased to report that the K'atl'odeeche First Nation and the NWT Housing Corporation are working together to resolve the long-standing land tenure matters on the Hay River Reserve that have impacted the ability of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to deliver its programs on the reserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Northwest Territories also ranks in the top in the survey for mineral potential. We have the right building blocks and are committed to providing increasing certainty for industry and other parties. We are looking at a combination of legislative amendments, regulations, and strategic policy to achieve a responsible, sustainable, and balanced approach to industrial land use moving forward. The Government of the Northwest Territories will work with stakeholders as the government evolves with this new devolved responsibility, keeping a transparent process underway.