Brendan Bell

Thank you. I think there are a number of issues. The past government, in making this decision, obviously had to consider a number of factors. We have taken a look at that as well. Clearly when you move from stick built to mobile homes, and then potentially talk about waiving the BIP on the purchase of those mobile homes, you are attempting to find a balance here between supporting economic development in the North and getting the most housing on the ground in small communities that desperately need it. That is certainly a trade-off that we had to discuss, and that was the challenge put to...

We are making sure that we follow the process and sit in on the meetings in order to hear public concerns, but I certainly take a lot of comfort in knowing and believing that this will go to phase two and there will be a joint panel review and, at that point, there will be significant opportunity not only for the residents of Hay River…I take the Member’s point that Hay River stands to benefit hugely from a development of this nature and I think they’re poised quite well to do so, but the board will hear from the residents of Hay River, it will hear from residents across the Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the department is aware there was some concern raised by the town of Hay River over the proposed consultation schedule in this first, preliminary consultation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am told that the money was committed and/or expended and there was development of some materials that went out to engage public interest in this. In addition, there is another $10,000 for the advisory committee. We talked about that a little earlier. I am on the verge of appointing that committee and there has been some preliminary work done, but my understanding is the $65,000 will have been spent by year end.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the Member for Nunakput, that Ms. Therese Boullard be appointed as the Director of Human Rights for the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission during good behaviour for a term of four years by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories as recommended by the Legislative Assembly;

And further that the Speaker be authorized to communicate the effective date of appointment to the Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think, certainly, the work that we will do as a joint committee -- I know the discussion we have had around the terms of reference acknowledges and makes this point very clear -- with our programs and services have to recognize the commitments that have been made, particularly by our government, in land claims agreements and also hold the federal government to the same test. The Auditor General recently reviewed some implementation agreements in terms of land claims and I think offered a fairly scathing review of implementation. It is important that, when the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly we recognize, as a government, the need to work with regional organizations and be supportive. The Member, in his statement, discussed the job opportunities that will flow from pipeline development. I think that is just the tip of the iceberg. The minute we have a pipeline, we have a conduit for gas to markets in the South. I think that we are going to just see an explosion in terms of activity. It is important that we are ready for it.

We have regional petroleum advisors as our eyes and ears on the ground who work with negotiations, but I will...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think a good first step was the creation of the maximizing northern employment program, and the 14th Assembly got that work underway. I think the nature of many of the employment opportunities that will flow from this development is very technical. It will require a fair deal of education and training. We recognize that. We acknowledge that, and we know that we have a challenge on our hands. Some of the work may be sporadic in terms of construction. We think there is ongoing work in exploration and other opportunities.

It may be the case that, as we train people...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, again, I think that this is certainly the role of the department. We need to focus as much attention on this as possible to make sure that the business opportunities do accrue to northerners. I had a chance to meet with the Petroleum Services Association of Canada. I had an interesting discussion. It was enlightening for me to know that many of the business opportunities, many of the employment opportunities, likely won’t flow directly from the Producer’s Group and will be subcontracted to these service organizations. It is important that we work closely with...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the American Gem Society Laboratories is one of the major polished diamond grading laboratories in the world. The American Gem Society grades polished diamonds for colour, clarity, carat and cut. It is one the world leaders in developing grading certification processes and was the first major laboratory in the world to grade for cut, based on its own cut grade system.

I am pleased today to host a delegation from the American Gem Society Laboratories, and at the appropriate time I will recognize my guests who are present in the gallery.

The American Gem...