David Ramsay

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess I need a little bit more clarification from the Member in terms of what exactly he wants to know we’re working on.

We know the status at any one time of the various projects that are underway across the Northwest Territories in the area of development and advancement. If there’s one in particular he wants an update on, we can provide that, but I’m not sure if he’s looking for a comprehensive view of all the projects that are ongoing or how that works. So maybe I’ll just go back to the Member for clarification on what he’s looking for. I’d be happy to provide it...

Through business plans we heard the concerns from the Members and we have taken steps to review the office in Hay River. We’ve come back to committee. We’re in the process of working through that and we hope to continue to move forward. I appreciate the Member’s comments, but I’ve given a commitment to do that and I will continue to pursue that.

The MECC is a committee of Cabinet so those would first be proposed there, as is the way business is conducted here, would filter through the committee system that we have set up here.

Yes, we can supply that to the Member.

Not today, Mr. Chair, but perhaps next week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Members for the opening comments on ITI’s budget.

I will start with some of the comments Mr. Yakeleya made. I agree with him; I think it is a tough balancing act in looking at sustainable development and protecting the environment. There is a lot going on in the Sahtu these days with the development of the Canol Trail. It is very exciting. There have obviously been a number of opportunities there for residents to look at job opportunities. There have been opportunities for businesses there. That will continue into this summer and into next winter. Again, it...

I thank the Member for that question. It just reinforces what we’re trying to do here is very complex. In the situation in the Sahtu we need to find a suitable fix for the Bear River. Yes, we have to respect the language in the land claim, certainly a solution there. Again, I mentioned earlier meeting with the new chief and the president of the land corporation. There are solutions out there; we just haven’t found the right one. Perhaps this new one they’ve brought to our attention is something, I know they’re excited about it, maybe that’s going to be the remedy there and the way forward. We...

The Government of the Northwest Territories has supported the Aboriginal Pipeline Group in the past and we’re continuing to support the APG. It’s important that we do that. I don’t believe it’s going blindly. I believe it’s supporting the potential advancement of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group. When the Mackenzie Gas Project does go ahead, they will own one-third of that pipeline and it will be the big piece of the capacity building for Aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories. Our support of the APG is integral to that advancing. With the MGP, we’re optimistic that it will see the light...

Mr. Chair, first of all, I believe it is good that the Northwest Territories is at the table to protect our interests. We are included, not excluded, in these discussions. I want to put that out there first and foremost.

In regard to municipalities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities had expressed concerns over any international agreement that would be binding upon municipalities and the tendering or procurement practices. The FCM suggested that the FCM be included and CETA at discussions. The FCM has also called on all provincial and territorial municipality associations to present...

Yes, Mr. Chair.