Caroline Cochrane

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question is better suited for the Minister of ENR. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I also can't support this motion. I do also want to recognize I understand the intent of the Member. If I wasn't into the last government, I would have stood by this Member from Hay River and agreed with him. However, I was in the last government, Madam Chair, and in the last government, people were struggling financially as well. We have heard all day today about how expensive it is in the Northwest Territories, and that hasn't changed in the last couple of years. It's been expensive here for a long time. It's getting more expensive, but it was expensive here. I know...

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, I will present Bill 85, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's important to note within this motion as well that if we're really following the United Nations Declaration for Indigenous Peoples, which will be hopefully put through second reading sometime this week, and maybe by the end of the government, the third reading, that the Indigenous governments also have a huge role within this motion. So just wanted to say that it's not only the GNWT Ministers and Regular Members; the Indigenous governments within the declaration have to have a say in this as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the recent addition of the Legislative Assembly’s process convention related to the introduction, consideration, and enactment of bills under the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol. Mr. Speaker, I do not often get to express appreciation for the work of the Legislative Assembly as led by you, Mr. Speaker, and supported by the Clerk and your staff. This new process convention is another example of the Northwest Territories leading the way in collaboration with Indigenous governments.

Devolution of lands and resources gave the Government...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Infrastructure is in the engagement process right now and expected to submit the applications at the end of March. They're also in the process of engaging the federal government for funding support while the work proceeds on the regulation and permitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This was submitted to Transport Canada. Discussions have also been ongoing with CIRNAC regarding this project. Infrastructure continues to lobby the federal government and to stress the importance of this marine hub, including the action needed to reduce risk to equipment and the environment, avoid the interruption of the essential resupply activities, and maintain safe and secure commercial marine shipping operations in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We work with the northern territories, the Yukon and Nunavut, whenever possible. There's always strength in numbers; we realize that. I can make a commitment to the Member that I will bring this topic to the Premier of Nunavut, and that I can commit to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have on hand the information related to the number of residents who attended who were students in the Indian day schools on hand and how many of those were Indigenous versus Caucasian. I mean, there was also Caucasian people that went to the schools after that time. However, as stated, we're working closely with any students that need supports and we're trying to offer as many supports as possible to people that are facing intergenerational trauma. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stated before I have no problem, in fact I think it's a good idea, to invite the Alberta Premier to come to the Northwest Territories to meet with our Indigenous government leaders. Another clarification, Mr. Speaker, the Intergovernmental Council does have some Members that didn't sign on to devolution that are excluded. The Council of Leaders includes all Indigenous governments. Some don't attend but they're more than welcome. If there's any groups that are not part of that that the Member feels should be invited, then I'm more than willing to listen to the Member...