Caroline Cochrane

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct that to the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker..

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question is better suited for the Minister of ENR. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, I will present Bill 85, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's important to note within this motion as well that if we're really following the United Nations Declaration for Indigenous Peoples, which will be hopefully put through second reading sometime this week, and maybe by the end of the government, the third reading, that the Indigenous governments also have a huge role within this motion. So just wanted to say that it's not only the GNWT Ministers and Regular Members; the Indigenous governments within the declaration have to have a say in this as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do know that it's with the Department of Justice. I know that the Minister is looking into this. There was a survey done. There was a lot of comments. I think that the Member is right; it's important we listen to the people. I also heard the MLA one MLA say that he doesn't agree with it, so I hear that. I do think that it's an important question, and I do know that the Minister is looking into it right at this point. I have my own personal opinions but I'm here to support the GNWT, and I will support the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the recent addition of the Legislative Assembly’s process convention related to the introduction, consideration, and enactment of bills under the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol. Mr. Speaker, I do not often get to express appreciation for the work of the Legislative Assembly as led by you, Mr. Speaker, and supported by the Clerk and your staff. This new process convention is another example of the Northwest Territories leading the way in collaboration with Indigenous governments.

Devolution of lands and resources gave the Government...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Infrastructure is in the engagement process right now and expected to submit the applications at the end of March. They're also in the process of engaging the federal government for funding support while the work proceeds on the regulation and permitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This was submitted to Transport Canada. Discussions have also been ongoing with CIRNAC regarding this project. Infrastructure continues to lobby the federal government and to stress the importance of this marine hub, including the action needed to reduce risk to equipment and the environment, avoid the interruption of the essential resupply activities, and maintain safe and secure commercial marine shipping operations in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We work with the northern territories, the Yukon and Nunavut, whenever possible. There's always strength in numbers; we realize that. I can make a commitment to the Member that I will bring this topic to the Premier of Nunavut, and that I can commit to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have on hand the information related to the number of residents who attended who were students in the Indian day schools on hand and how many of those were Indigenous versus Caucasian. I mean, there was also Caucasian people that went to the schools after that time. However, as stated, we're working closely with any students that need supports and we're trying to offer as many supports as possible to people that are facing intergenerational trauma. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.