Robert C. McLeod

I do, Mr. Chair.

$10.6 million as of December 1st.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I will find out if I am able to do that, or if I do find the letters, I will share them with the Members, and if possible, I can table them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In my meeting with the federal Finance Minister, I did raise the concern of indexing it. We actually have not heard back from them yet, but I will make a commitment then to follow up on that because there are a number of questions we have for the federal Minister, and we have an FTP coming up. I think it's later on this year. I will try to make contact with them to see if there is any progress made on our request. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, the decision was actually not made by our government. We were prepared to sign an agreement with Canada; however, because of the concerns of the Aboriginal governments the agreement was not signed.

In December of 2016, there was a joint letter that was sent to the environmental agreement signatories and parties to inform them that the GNWT and INAC recommended that Canada remain a signatory to these agreements but with limited responsibilities.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we have heard the Member, and we have heard his concern. I have read his pamphlet, and it's not something that we are contemplating at this particular time. Maybe there will be opportunities in the future, but, as of right now, no, we are not contemplating that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, after devolution, the Government of the Northwest Territories assumed the responsibilities of the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, or INAC, as outlined in the environment agreements for the territory's three diamonds. However, the environmental agreements have not been formally amended to reflect this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and, Mr. Chair, the Member is correct. For the income tax, that is what would have to happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will work with my colleague at ITI and see what plans they have for the future. Again, I take the Member’s point and, yes, as we go forward, we may still have mines that we can tax. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I do not think a determination or decision has been made on what department this might fall under within the GNWT. I suppose we would have that broader discussion when it actually does happen. Thank you, Mr. Chair.