David Krutko

Mr. Speaker, in regard to any equity share that you liken to business, there are usually gives and takes. I’d like to ask the Minister, would you also consider that you’d look at an equity share, that you’d forgive the tax by way of corporate taxes and any tax revenue that may come from these developments, and in lieu of those revenues would you consider what the financial implications of those decisions are?

Again I have to agree with Mr. Neudorf, because I did read the parliamentary budget address and it did stipulate the Northwest Territories and Nunavut by way of harbour development. I think that because we’re just as unique as they are, I think that for coastal communities, it works there. But being Aklavik is only 50 kilometres from the coast, so I think it’s something that should be considered for those communities that are either along the coastline and also for communities that require this type of infrastructure.

Next I have Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Finance and his commitment that he’s going to look at a possible equity share in the pipeline. Well, I, for one, do not support that initiative. I would like to ask the Minister of Finance...If you’re going to look into anything, you should look at the hundreds and tens of millions of dollars we’ve put into the diamond industry and really got nothing back. I’d like to ask the Minister, before you decide to look at the pipeline, maybe you should focus on the diamond industry where this government has put tens of...

Again I’d just like a breakdown by way of P1s, P2s, P3s, and I’d like to note that there has been one position dropped in the Inuvik region and I’d like to know what’s the status of that individual, who comes from my riding, and is he going to receive any severance or competition. This person worked for the government I believe for over 25 years. So I’d just like to know what type of arrangement has been worked out with this individual who has been fired, in another sense of the word.

Next on the list I have Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like for the Minister to keep the chief of Tsiigehtchic involved and, more importantly, the Gwich’in Tribal Council. This issue has come up in the Gwich’in Assembly. The area that is being flooded is on Gwich’in land. So this issue is an issue that came out and there could be legal issues around it. I’d like to ask the Minister if he can also keep the political organizations involved in where we’re going with this.

Mr. Chair, the residents I represent feel this is a concern and I think if it means having to file an intervention and a public hearing on this matter, I think that might be the way we should go. But I think that the government should seriously consider looking at some sort of permanent structures so you don’t have to continue to put gravel into the river systems -- you have permanent structures in regard to Fort Providence -- and also that you are able to look at other means of technology that’s out there today. So I’d just like to know, is that an option that has been considered.

Again, if...

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, in my four terms in this House and 12 years as a sitting Member, I have never seen the relationship between the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Government of the Northwest Territories at such a low point. Mr. Speaker, after concluding a meeting earlier with the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Premier, Minister of Transportation and other officials, I thought it was going to give them an opportunity to sit down and work out their differences, but, Mr. Speaker, all that came out of it was that the Gwich’in do not have any rights in Inuvik and they don’t have a land claim...

Again, that clearly shows this government is leaving aboriginal organizations and development corporations out of the decision making process of this government. There are other partnership arrangements between the Government of the Northwest Territories and aboriginal companies with regard to power distribution, residual heat, and other types of projects. I’d like to ask the Premier why other aboriginal groups are not given the same ability to submit a proposal on their ability to buy into the power corporation instead of having a southern company do it for us.