David Krutko

Mr. Speaker, under the Gwich’in agreement, the whole principle of negotiations was that self-government negotiations will be addressed. The Gwich’in desired to have self-government exercises as close to the communities as possible. Mr. Speaker, I believe the board reform will totally take away those powers that we are trying to negotiate for powers in our communities, which again will establish these regional structures and take away those authorities we are trying to develop in our communities. I would like to ask the Premier or the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, is the government still...

Just following up on Mr. Bromley’s question, I know that this issue is out there. I know there are ways that you could probably get around it. It is either have some land tenure for 30 years, we get a lease for 30 years subject that that land is in the negotiating process.

I know when we did land selection in the Sahtu and the Gwich’in area, they selected lands where the Housing Corporation had units on it. Basically it was subject to those lands that were IAB lands. We selected those lands but the Housing Corporation was aware that those lands did have that title on it. Once the claim was...

I’d like to recognize any constituents of the Mackenzie Delta who may be in the gallery. More importantly, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize a former Member of the Mackenzie Delta, Edith Bourke. It’s nice to see you again, Edith.

Mr. Jacobson.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses. General comments. Mr. Yakeleya.

Committee agree the Minister brings in his witnesses?

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole back to order. We agreed prior to the break that we will begin with the NWT main estimates for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. At this time, I’d like to ask the Minister if he has opening statements or comments.

Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 11-16(3), NWT Main Estimates 2009-2010, and would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Committee agree?