Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Kam Lake, that Bill 11, Petroleum Resources Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill substantially mirrors the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act and coordinates with the requirements of the Northwest Territories Land and Resources Devolution Agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 69(2) and have Bill 11, Petroleum Resources Act, moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, February 27, 2014, I will move that Bill 13, Devolution Measures Act, be read for the first time.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, February 27, 2014, I will move that Bill 14, Waters Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 69(2) and have Bill 10, Northwest Territories Lands Act, moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Kam Lake, that Bill 11, Petroleum Resources Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’m sure the Member will be pleased to hear that this is not a power grab. It’s moving decision-making to the North, and those most affected by activity will be making the decisions. That’s what this is all about and I’m pleased in my Minister’s statement I used those words exactly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Member should be pleased that the MVRMA will continue as a public board. We are not taking it. They will still be making those decisions and putting forward recommendations. The responsible Ministers will be putting them into effect.

Mr. Speaker, later today, at the appropriate time, I will table Northern Lands, Northern Leadership: The Government of the Northwest Territories Land Use and Sustainability Framework. Completion of this document is a significant achievement and a major step in this government’s final preparations to assume new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources on April 1st.

The Land Use and Sustainability Framework establishes a policy foundation for the Government of the Northwest Territories as we assume our land management responsibilities after devolution. It is based on our years of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 10, Northwest Territories Lands Act, be read for the second time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill substantially mirrors the Territorial Lands Act of Canada in accordance with the requirements of the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled “Northern Lands, Northern Leadership, The GNWT Land Use and Sustainability Framework.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.