Louis Sebert

As I mentioned yesterday, we have written to Aboriginal groups; that is really a first step in this process. We are waiting to hear back from them. We sent a very extensive number of letters out to a large number of IGOs. We are waiting to hear back from them, so that is really the first step. I understand that I will be before committee at the end of October, and I could perhaps prepare and explain where we are in the whole process at that time.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned yesterday, we are trying to determine which cabins are unauthorized and which are rights-based. We have considered them all untenured, and we want to find out from initially the Aboriginal groups which are actually rights-based. So that is our first step in this effort. Again, as I mentioned yesterday, there are more than 700 cabins or properties out there that are of concern, and we want to know which fall into which category, so that is our first step.

I don't think I made an undertaking regarding the information sheet. I think I said that would provide more information to the Members opposite. As I mentioned earlier, the initial contact and communication will be with the IGOs in the various communities, quite an extensive list of IGOs, to which we have sent letters. So that will be the initial step, and certainly, I will provide the Member or Members opposite with more information as to the steps and process and procedure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. To my left is Christina Brownlee, legislative counsel, and to my right, Mark Aitken, assistant deputy minister, attorney general.

I believe that staff is going to the Nahendeh riding. As I say, I'm not certain which communities they're going to, but again, we'll supply that information to the Member opposite.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here today to discuss Bill 15, Document Formalization Service and Notice Reform Statutes Amendment Act. I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for its review of Bill 15.

This omnibus bill has the overall goal of improving access to justice for residents of the Northwest Territories by introducing a suite of amendments that will improve effectiveness, reduce inconvenience, and lower costs for the government and the public.

The Department of Justice has undertaken a comprehensive review of NWT statutes, regulations, and court...

Yes, as I said previously, we wish to determine which cabins are unauthorized and which are rights-based. Our initial steps are with Indigenous governments. I'd be pleased to provide some additional information to the Members opposite with respect to the process should they wish. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to move an amendment.

As an initial step, we are reaching out to Indigenous governments across the Northwest Territories, and I see there are meetings scheduled to take place in the Nahendeh riding with IGOs on October 22 and 25, 2018. Individual cabin owners should speak to their IGOs or with the regional office if they have questions with respect to their camp or cabin.

Yes, thank you.