Caroline Cochrane

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct that to the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker..

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

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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We try to support students, as many as possible, as they come forward. I do want to say, Mr. Speaker, that I recognize the trauma, the intergenerational trauma that's happened from colonization from the beginning, residential school as well. And not only those two but just the ongoing societal judgements that are put on Indigenous people. And so I do think that we have a responsibility to try to make sure that the health and wellness of our residents is taken care of. We're trying our best. We have many programs to support people with mental health, trauma. But we can't...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is not a party to the class action suits that are going on with the federal government; therefore, we don't have a direct role in the litigation that's happening. However, ECE has worked with students who have come forward to get their historical records. We've also provided letters in support for students that might have missing or incorrect personal information. And I do encourage that any residential school survivor to visit the indiandayschools.com to find more information on what's happening with these class actions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to clarify and state that no, I am not downplaying the issue and I am not passing it off to a Minister. Ministers have jobs. The relationship is direct Minister to Minister, Premier to Premier. And if the Minister does not get through within the next while, then I will be bringing this forward. I would like to give benefit of the doubt to the Alberta Premier. I know that she hasn't been elected for very long. I am hoping, although not foolishly, but I am hoping that she just didn't get the proper briefing, that there is no transboundary agreement with Imperial...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do know that it's with the Department of Justice. I know that the Minister is looking into this. There was a survey done. There was a lot of comments. I think that the Member is right; it's important we listen to the people. I also heard the MLA one MLA say that he doesn't agree with it, so I hear that. I do think that it's an important question, and I do know that the Minister is looking into it right at this point. I have my own personal opinions but I'm here to support the GNWT, and I will support the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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.