Robert C. McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Right now, the correct number is 26, from 30 to 26; and as Ms. Craig said, once we do the work and functional review, then we may come back again, but for the purpose of this exercise, the number is 26. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, the Member is correct, Mr. Chair. It is. Thank you.

Thank you. We have been having discussions with the federal government. We have agreed to work together to better understand the impact of their proposed carbon pricing in the Northwest Territories and, in our meetings we had down there, they understand the unique situation of the North and how it is going to have a wider affect up here than, I think, they expected. So we’re continuing to have those discussions and I will update committee as those progressions progress. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we do have another position in the community that can provide the same functions as the one that has been eliminated. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I don't think the reductions are driving this budget. The department feels that they have produced a fiveyear action plan entitled "Healthy Land, Healthy People, Government of the Northwest Territories Priorities for Advancement of Conservation Network Planning." Our position is that we feel we have the necessary capacity within our existing department or existing people to complete the work. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Member is quoting off page 74.

The Inuvialuit Water Board was asked for input on the GNWT interest development of negotiation position and intention document for both the AlbertaNWT and the BCNWT agreements as well as the development of a negotiation position for agreement with Saskatchewan and for updating our existing agreement with the Yukon. We have had specific meetings with all of the NWT regulatory boards to solicit input as we move forward with some of these transboundary water agreements.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'll make that commitment to provide the Member with the amount of money that's in there. As far as the federal government, I can't make that commitment. We really don't know what's in the federal government fund. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Member’s desire to hear from the Minister directly himself. We have a five-year action plan that we’re working on right now. As we go forward and we find that some of the work that we have to do in future years or within the next budget cycle, I mean, there’s an opportunity to expand on that work, then I suppose we would have to go back and look at bringing the necessary expertise on board. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I can commit to that. My understanding is that we do that already, but I will commit to that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.