David Krutko

Minister of Finance.

Also in my Member’s statement I made reference to the implications and major effects of resource development on the headwaters, which will have a direct affect on the communities in the Northwest Territories, particularly Fort McPherson and Aklavik all the way to the Arctic Ocean. I’d like to ask the Minister with regard to our Water Strategy and looking at the implications we’re seeing at Fort McMurray and the downstream affect that is having, does the government have a position regarding the Water Strategy and the implication of these developments downstream on the waterways?

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses in.

For the record, Mr. Miltenberger, could you introduce your witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the important aspects of water protection and protecting our land, air, and resources is the protection of the watersheds, as we hear on the news what’s happening in Fort McMurray and what effects it is having on the Athabasca and Mackenzie rivers systems.

An area of controversy in my riding is dealing with the Peel River watershed and the planning commission report that is presently before public hearings. There were some 60 people at a public meeting in Fort McPherson where they made their voices heard loud and clear that they don’t want 80 percent protection of...

At this time I would like to ask the Minister if he will be bringing in witnesses.

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. Prior to the break we agreed to begin with Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act. At this time, I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for the bill if he has any opening comments. Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Committee agree?

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Liquor Act, and would like to report that Bill 12 is ready for third reading. I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that this Legislative Assembly recommends that the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation undertake a regional analysis and policy changes needed to establish a significantly lower maximum rent schedule for public housing units;

And further, that the Minister provide the proposed changes to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure no later than April 1, 2011.

Does committee agree that Bill 12 is ready for third reading?

---Bill 12 as a whole approved for third reading