Bob Bromley

Clauses 21 to 30.

---Clauses 21 through 30 inclusive approved

I acknowledge the answer. It’s not one that obviously builds a lot of confidence, if the Minister doesn’t even know if he’s being updated on this important project. To my knowledge this government has taken no public position on such crucial Giant Mine issues as independent oversight, ongoing research, or public reporting. Because of the way that DIAND is running this project, both as regulator and proponent, other governments find themselves in a curious position when it comes to the environmental assessment.

Given the dismal recent record of DIAND on public accountability and refusal to...

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. I’d like to call on the sponsor of the bill, the Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy, to see whether you wish to bring witnesses into the House.

Thank you. We’ll start by turning to page 11. Committee, clauses 1 to 10.

---Clauses 1 through 10 inclusive approved

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my great pleasure to welcome Mr. Tony Whitford, resident of Weledeh. I think we all would agree that it’s great to see that twinkle in the eye in the House again here today. I’d also like to recognize Vivian Squires and Ed Jeske, lifelong friends there. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region representatives. I know that Ian’s dad was having a walk in Weledeh today. I hope that went well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to begin by asking the sponsoring Member, Mr. Abernethy, if he has any comments to introduce the bill.

Thank you, committee. No general comments. Request for detail. Does committee agree we go clause by clause?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve heard repeated bad news lately on the Giant Mine Remediation Project. Citizens in the Weledeh riding in Yellowknife and those downstream have great cause for concern. Spring ice dams on Baker Creek have caused contaminated water to overflow from the tailings area. Northern Affairs released little and late information. The federal Department of Public Works person in Edmonton finally released some facts. The situation is bad, and DIAND is under legal direction to take action.

But things have just gotten worse. A large sinkhole has appeared, which could channel water...

Does committee agree that Bill 20 is ready for third reading?

---Bill 20 as a whole approved for third reading

Thank you, committee. I would like to ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

Minister Miltenberger, if you would introduce your witnesses.