Bob McLeod

We adhere very closely to the priorities and mandates that are set by this House. We have a federal engagement strategy that we have shared with the standing committee, and we follow the protocol that is set out in the Guiding Principles and Process Conventions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our expectation is that the Legislative Assembly will continue its role as the public government in the Northwest Territories, including representation from communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. As the Member knows, the Prime Minister recently signed a new declaration, the Crown Inuit Declaration, I think he called it. This is a reflection of their new, improved, ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal governments. We are looking forward to seeing how that all rolls out going forward.

The Inuvialuit selfgovernment agreement, once finalized, it will implement the inherent right to selfgovernment in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This agreement will provide the Inuvialuit the authority to deliver a broad range of programs and services, including social envelope authority such as K to 12 education, child and family services, and income support.

Mr. Speaker, a strong partnership with the Government of Canada is essential to ensuring Northerners can achieve their social, environmental, and economic goals. By working with our federal counterparts, the Government of the Northwest Territories will help create a Northwest Territories where all people can thrive and be healthy, where a strong economy provides jobs and opportunities for all our communities, and where a wellmanaged environment contributes to our economic wellbeing and quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, this past Friday I met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss some of the...

I believe that, with all of the responsibilities that Ministers have, there are probably about 25 to 30 federalprovincialterritorial meetings that occur on an annual basis. I believe that, in every instance, there are press releases and communiques that come out of them. Certainly, I understand that we share those with Regular Members, and we will continue to do so.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize a constituent from Yellowknife South, Fraser Oliver. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "Report of Special Warrants Issued – November 5, 2016 to January 30, 2017." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As a result of working on a new climate change framework and a new energy strategy, we do have a team of people that are working together from the departments of ENR and Public Works, and they work on public engagement and the development of these strategies so that they align with our long-term objectives. These teams include senior officials of the Government of the Northwest Territories, and with our responsibilities to the development of these strategies we can certainly send somebody to attend or are open to participating in stakeholder-driven engagement sessions. As I said, we will be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not aware of a microgrid charette being organized in Yellowknife in June, so it would be helpful perhaps for the Member to edify me on who is organizing, who the proponents are.

I can say that the Government of Northwest Territories is currently in the process of engaging with energy stakeholders as part of the development of a new climate change framework and energy strategy. To date we've held meetings in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife. We have workshop sessions upcoming in Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Behchoko. We've received submissions from...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, when we get the details we will certainly look seriously at doing it. I guess the main issue for me is, if we spend $190,000 on a charette, does that mean if that charette comes out with recommendations because we spent so much money that we are bound by whatever comes out of that charette? So I guess that's the main thing that we have to look at when we are evaluating this proposal.