Robert C. McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Member is correct. I am pretty sure that that was the amount, because he asked the same question last year. I think that last year I said $17.2 million, and I said it again this year. That was the figure at public accounts, and this year it will increase by $7.6 million. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We did change the title of the division to environmental stewardship and climate change, recognizing that we are going to be the lead on climate change for the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I didn't mean to go after the messenger, but I'm just a little bit passionate about this. As far as money in the budget for the caribou, I did say earlier that I had given direction to the department to come forward with a plan on dealing with the caribou, as well as my response to questions from the Member from Yellowknife North on the funding that we're hoping to be announcing here during the life of this session, and I think it will be well-received. As well, I've directed the department to try and identify more funding for a lot of the work that we need to do...

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.