Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Has the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation considered any alternatives, like allowing applicants to use some of the funds they receive to purchase homeowners insurance, or what about organizing group insurance for low-income clients through the district office; perhaps the idea of a credit union? Mahsi.

The second question is: does the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation deny public housing applicants who do not qualify for tenants' insurance?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to challenge the NWT Housing Corporation to be more flexible in how it applies its policies. If an applicant doesn't have homeowner's insurance, instead of turning the applicant away, why doesn't the NWTHC let them apply a portion of the loan to pay for the insurance? That way, the applicant can still get needed repairs, plus help funding the cost of insurance. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Once again, I'm seeking clarity. I'd like to ask two or three questions to the law clerk. This is a territorial statute that we are considering at this point, is it?

Thank you.

Yes, it's concerning that unsettled areas are not recognized. There have always been aspirations of First Nations of being recognized. There are always challenges in recognition of committees or First Nations, and this legislation basically spells that. That is, perhaps, the next step. Maybe the Minister could clarify for me, at least, my concerns that I have, perhaps he could maybe clarify in those regions, like in the Deh Cho and the Akaitcho, because they're not explicitly recognized in this legislation. It doesn't mean that the legislation will never apply to their lands. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is supplementary. Why is it, then, we put a lot of effort in terms of formalizing recognition of settlement areas, but we don't also, in the same effort, recognize unsettled areas, say, like the Dehcho region or the Akaitcho region and their communities? Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

On reviewing Bill 45, it was not clear to committee what the bill was trying to achieve. In collaboration with the Minister, committee developed Motion 3 in Appendix A to articulate clear aspirations for the NWT correctional system and to establish principles for guiding the Correctional Service.

Sections 4 and 5 of Bill 45 authorized the Director of Corrections to establish community advisory boards and appoint members (CAB). Among other things, CABs are meant to provide observations and advice on the day-to-day operations of correctional centres and liaise between...

Thank you. Now, in speaking of Indigenous governments, the presumption is that Indigenous governments have section 35 rights. Is that at a constitutional or federal level?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, maybe I am trying to seek a legal opinion on the matter. It relates to process. I have heard the term loosely thrown around with this that a lot of these matters that we are seeking detail on have been deferred to regulations now. As a legislature, our primary task is to legislate changes and legislate government initiatives. It is perhaps unprecedented that we find ourselves moving towards the impression or expectation as legislators that we will be involved with regulations as well.

Could I get an opinion from legal counsel if that is perhaps where we might find...