Bob McLeod

I think we have taken the lead in that area once again. Once devolution is implemented, we will have an intergovernmental council; we will be working with all of the Aboriginal governments that sign on to devolution, working together, and I think that in that way that’s the best way to resolve disputes. For those that haven’t signed on yet, we’re still very optimistic that we’ll hopefully see that happen within the next year or so.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve been a very big supporter of the truth and reconciliation process. We think they have been doing an excellent job. If we are asked and if we are prepared to continue to work with them, we will work with them to include the history of residential school in our curriculum, working with Aboriginal governments, and I think that we would be prepared to work with them if we are asked to do so and try to extend the process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Governments have a historical and special relationship with Aboriginal, specifically treaty, people. Here in the Northwest Territories, we have an opportunity to show the rest of Canada and the world how to improve and do things better in the area of negotiations, settling land claims and working together, having a good relationship with Aboriginal governments, and I think we’re making a lot of progress in that area.

I’ve said many times that in the historical treaty areas that the Member is talking about, the difference is that those Aboriginal governments believe in the oral version of the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize visitors from the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories who chair the Coalition Against Family Violence: Lorraine Phaneuf, the executive director; Annemieke Mulders, programs and research manager; Samantha Dechief, community development coordinator; and David Wasylciw. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, many Northwest Territories residents continue to experience family violence or are dealing with its negative after-effects. This is not the kind of territory that we want. We talk about healthy and educated people in this Assembly, and we talk about safe and sustainable communities. We are committed to achieving those goals and addressing family violence is an important part of that commitment.

One of the biggest challenges we face when it comes to family violence is the perception that what goes on in a person’s family is private business. Most times that is true. But family...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. With regard to the comments of the Member with regard to Aurora College, funds have been identified for ’15 and ’16 to do some planning on what this expanded role for Aurora College could be.

Another priority for our capital formula: Are we failing our people? We are always open to changing the process for the rating of projects, and certainly if that’s a recommendation coming from committee, I’m sure the government will be pleased to address that.

On Mildred Hall, the Department of Education has identified a need for renos to enhance the life of the assets and they are...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the Member for his comments. As we all know, the draft capital budget was presented to Members back in June of this year, so it was early in the process.

There have been a number of briefings on how the capital budget process actually works. We have a formula where all of the projects are run through and they’re ranked on a priority basis. Based on the amount of money that’s available, the highest priority projects are funded on that basis. For every project, there are five criteria that are used. One is the safety of people, the safety of assets, the environment...

Yes, I would, Madam Chair.

That’s what we’re doing, is developing a business case. I expect that would be somewhere in the order of 500 to 700 million dollars. It would all depend on whether there’s a business case or not.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wouldn’t think we’re misleading anybody. We are looking at a plan. We are looking at options and we have excess power. We are working on a business case. If the business case presents that it’s feasible to export power after we’ve looked at the northern demands first, then it’s something that we are looking at.