Louis Sebert

A letter was sent to standing committee in August of 2016, indicating that we were thinking about changing these fees that had been in effect for a very long period of time. The changes were proposed in the 2016-2017 business plans, and discussed with committee, and also discussed during the Lands mains estimates in February 2017, in accordance with our established protocols. In July 2017 we informed SCOPP that the consultation period had closed, and that we were proceeding with amending regulations, and that the pre-gazette period was about to start. The period was for 90 days, and ended on...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Kevin Smith, Deputy Mayor of Fort Smith and recently very active in the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 28, 2018, I will move that Bill 14, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act 2018, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 121-18(3): TerraX Ptarmigan Mine," and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 165-18(3): Land Tenure Engagement Sessions." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a consultation period that closed on October 1st, 2017, and, of course, this matter was before the public. As I mentioned, it was in the media, it was discussed in the House, so people were certainly aware of these changes that were coming. So I think there was sufficient consultation with the public on this issue. We certainly did hear from Members opposite, and I'm sure Members opposite will recall that we did make amendments to certain of the proposed amendments, in the sense that we lowered from 10 to 5 per cent of the assessed value of certain residential...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The new leases' amounts, of course, came into effect on April 1st, and the media was briefed on the changes we were making the week prior to that. These changes had been discussed in the business plans during the winter session, and the media announcement went forward as part of a formal notification to the residents of the Northwest Territories of the changes. Letters were also sent out to each of the lessees on March 19, 2018. The press, the media had been aware of these changes; I see a story as long ago as February 2017, when these very changes were discussed. So...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have not yet had an opportunity to review the Macdonald-Laurier report, but I think we have been concerned over the last two years about some of the methodology. We don't think, in many ways, it correctly reflected our situation where we have vast distances and have a very small population. I do note that with respect to some of the more objective findings, such as the time required to get to court, we were near the top. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the Department of Lands recognizes and honours the land claim process as of the First Nations of the Northwest Territories. While these negotiations are taking place, the administration and control of land is in these areas that aren't federal remains a responsibility of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Further, the department consults with the Indigenous governments on any land administration actions in accordance with our procedures with respect to the Interim Measures Agreements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The department uses the assessed value which I have described to calculate the annual lease fee for each Commissioner's land parcel. This fee is based on the assessed value of the parcel each year. Some, such as seniors and non-profit organizations, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount off the annual lease fee paid on Commissioner's land.

As Members will know, the territorial and commissioner's lands are already managed by one department. I thought initially that we could have one act, but that seemed to be too complicated or too difficult. However, we are hoping to harmonize the two acts, and as I say, we have made the change in the minimum rates, which does harmonize the two acts.