Shane Thompson

The letters that come from the department are letters that support legal contracts such as lease agreements. They need to be clear. They are not meant to carry a specific tone, but to ensure that there is no misunderstanding of the points that need to be communicated. If a lease fee remains unpaid and there is no intent to continue use of the parcel of land, it is the responsibility of the department to ensure that the land be left in an acceptable condition. This often means a condition that is as close as possible to the original state. I agree with the principle when addressing public lands...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will have opportunities to revisit the mechanisms used to set the rent and fees, and it will be part of bringing our Public Lands Act into force. We are starting to work on it. It's part of a process. It's not going to be fixed overnight; it's going to take some time. We are in the process and there are mechanisms in there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The "Guidelines for Closure and Reclamation of Advanced Mineral Exploration and Mine Sites in the Northwest Territories" were developed jointly by the land and water boards of the Mackenzie Valley and the Government of Canada, now CIRNAC. These guidelines outline the requirement for closure and reclamation plans and stress that closure objectives and criteria be established for the site. Although these guidelines are designed to cover mineral explorations and mine closure, the concept of guidelines apply to all development projects in the NWT. These guidelines were used to guide development of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Strategic Oil and Gas was, at the time of devolution, transferred an operations site which has gone through an environmental screening and regulatory process and met the criteria for a release site. The site has an owner that is responsible for clean-up and environmental liabilities. Canada transferred the securities associated with all operating sites on April 1st, 2014. Adequacy of security is the subject of continual review and revision as part of the modern regulatory process in the NWT.

At the moment, Strategic Oil and Gas, although it is in creditor protection as...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hunting has a long and honourable history in the Northwest Territories. At the heart of this tradition is a deep respect for the wildlife, the environment and the people of this land. Residents of the Northwest Territories have told us they want to make sure these values and practices are passed on to the next generation of harvesters.

During the 18th Legislative Assembly, this government made a commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories to develop a Hunter Education program for youth and new hunters. This new program promotes best practices for safe and...

Can't make a commitment right now because right now, we are trying to work on our Public Lands Act. Part of it is our regulations right now. What I can tell the Member is that the city, MACA, and Lands are in the process of working together on this issue. Any other municipality that wishes to work on this issue, we are more than willing to work with them to address this. Again, we have to get our regulations in place. The Public Land Act was passed in the last sitting, but we now need the regulations in place to be able to deal with this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The department continues to work with all the communities in NWT to address their individual land needs. Lands is not in any discussions with communities at this time than a minor transfer similar to the initiative currently being worked on by the city.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. James Gerard Fradsham left behind an incredible legacy of family, humour, compassion, and friendship across the NWT. I had the pleasure of knowing him as Gerard.

Gerard was born on July 25, 1955, in St. John's, Newfoundland. It was there he grew up with 10 brothers and sisters. He would often tell stories of Signal Hill and the Battery. He always wanted to go back to visit, but life seemed to get in the way. There were times that you would find him in his family home on Google Maps, showing everybody who would look where he used to live.

In the 1970s, his family uprooted...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, it is an honour for me to stand in the House and speak about the passing of a well-known man from the community of Fort Liard.

Harold Paul Bertrand was born on October 11, 1968, in Fort Liard, to his parents, Francois and Pauline Bertrand. Harold was the third youngest of the family. He passed away on September 24, 2019, with his loving family around him.

Harold was known as a DJ back in his young days. He would get the old community hall just rocking with his music selection. It was funny watching him play music, then get himself on the dance floor, and, before...

I haven't been briefed on that depth of it right yet, but I am willing to work with the Member. We will set up a briefing with him with the department so he can get that information moving forward, the same as if committee wishes to have further information.

I think Minister Simpson talked about it: it is trying to work together. We are willing to do as many technical briefings as we can to engage the other side and the public to make sure we are informed and we make wise decisions. I will make that offer to the Member to set up a meeting.