Robert C. McLeod

I believe that there is adequate funding for the Mackenzie River Basin Board, and I think Members would expect me to say nothing less. They have $280,000 in annual contributions from all parties, $40,000 from the jurisdictions, and $8,000 from Canada. If they feel that there is a need for more resources, I am sure they will approach the appropriate ministers in the jurisdictions to make a case for more funding. Again, that is another one that I would have to follow up on, and I have not seen any requests from board representatives for our department to increase the funding.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Negotiations towards the establishment of a bilateral water agreement currently are under way with Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is conducting a legal review of the intention document, and that review is ongoing. Negotiations will continue once that review is complete. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Our officials will ensure that the process is clearly and consistently communicated across all the GNWT departments and all regions of the NWT.

In going back to the tour that we had through the Tlicho, we spoke to a number of elders there, and these are folks who have lived amongst the caribou their whole life. They provided us with some insight, wolves being some of the main predators of the caribou herd.

I have read the story, as well, where we have somebody from basically outside the country telling us that our program is not going to be effective, and somebody from southern Canada telling us that our program is not going to be effective, but I am listening to those who have a Master's degree in the environment, who have lived...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There is always concern when there is water flowing into the NWT from other jurisdictions, and that is one of the reasons we signed a transboundary water agreement with them. Our officials participated in a three-year environmental assessment review process and provided recommendations to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency about potential downstream impacts from this hydro expansion project. Part of that is a community-based monitoring program. I think there are 40 sample sites as part of our community-based water-monitoring program, and there are 22 communities...

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I think it is only fair that I respond to the comment from the Member. I can understand his concern. I have been through the system quite a few times in all my years of work, and I am not sure if many in here remember the Department of Personnel days. There was a Department of Personnel which was much like HR now, and they went into the different departments. They did a lot of their own hiring. I know a number of people who were involved in those different departments, and they were comfortable there, and then they amalgamated into the department of HR. What that did...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand the Member's concern, and I will make that commitment to provide the schedule and the up-to-date information. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, there will.

In discussions with a lot of our Aboriginal partners, we understand their concern with the caribou and the caribou numbers and the work that has gone on with them. I know that we are close to finalizing an agreement with the federal government on section 11 funding, and the plan is that we are hoping that we are in the position to make an announcement during this session. I am sure that Members will be pleased with the announcement when it does come out.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The regional superintendent is the point of contact. Thank you, Mr. Chair.