Bob McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that now we've all reached a clear understanding of who is responsible for what, and the fact that K'atl'odeeche First Nation have signed on to devolution. We've had some very good discussions with K'atl'odeeche First Nation, and I think we can work together to resolve the outstanding issue of the vacant housing that the Member refers to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada is working with the K’atl'odeeche First Nation and the NWT Housing Corporation to draw up the federal land leases that require the approval of their federal minister. In order for the NWT Housing Corporation to provide home ownership programs and public housing, land tenure must be in place. Once the designation process is concluded and federal leases are provided to the NWT Housing Corporation, up to 16 units will become available for NWT Housing Corporation programming, with 10 units going to public housing and the remaining six being used for other...

As a government, we recognize that it is very important to develop confidence. We have been working very hard at it to gain the confidence of the industry. We know the importance of exploration in the Northwest Territories. Those people that are filling out these surveys, like the Fraser Institute, have long memories. Some of them have been in the North a long time ago and haven't been back since. But we’ve done a lot of work in this area.

We have developed a Mineral Development Strategy, which is a strategic plan to increase mineral exploration and mine development in order to ensure residents...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Minister of ITI, we take these reports very seriously as our exploration and mining industry depends on being able to obtain permits in a timely manner. Of course, this is a concern for the Government of the Northwest Territories and proof that we need to improve on and streamline our policies, and make the necessary changes in order to attract and reinvigorate our mining and exploration sector.

We are also committed to regulatory streamlining. One of next steps in our process of devolution and evolution is to examine our legislation and related processes in support...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government had decentralization as a priority for a number of years. As a matter of fact, we are now in the third phase of decentralization. Over the three phases to date, we have decentralized 170 positions to the regions and communities outside Yellowknife, and I'm pleased to say that we've decentralized nine of those positions to the Sahtu region.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled “Public Utilities Board of the Northwest Territories Annual Report for the Year Ending December 31, 2015.”

We have had quite a number of iterations in the regional structures in the Northwest Territories. Before division, we had five regions. After division, I think we had three regions and two districts. As programs were devolved, we eventually now have five regions. We used to have five regional directors, as well, and the previous government saw fit to bring that back to two regional directors.

The way it's been working is the government allows the government departments to structure themselves in a way that is more effective and efficient, and certainly if the Member is prepared to provide his...

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a transformative figure, an economic builder in our territory, a true northern leader: Nellie Cournoyea.

---Applause

Nellie served our territory and the Inuvialuit people for nearly four decades. Her career is a testament to what can be achieved with heart, resilience, and clarity of vision. A former Member of this Assembly as the MLA for Nunakput, Nellie tirelessly advocated for the best interests of her region, the Northwest Territories, and all its peoples. She was a fierce and passionate debater. But above all, she was a champion...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. At one time when ITI and ENR were altogether in the Department of RWED, RWED delivered all of the programs for fur to the harvesters. When it was decided to split RWED back into ITI and ENR, it was felt that part of the fur programs would go to ITI and part of the programs would stay with ENR, although, in reality, most of the programs were delivered by the renewable or wildlife officers and ITI primarily funded some of the programs. After devolution and reassignment of some responsibilities, it was felt that it would be a better fit to have ENR deliver the majority of...

We're always prepared to meet with the Sahtu leadership. As a matter of fact, we have an MOU on a government-to -government basis. We are committed to meeting on a regular basis with the Sahtu leadership. I think we meet every six months. If they want to meet more often, we're prepared to do so.