Frieda Martselos

Mr. Speaker, this project is probably one of the most important projects on green energy for the NWT. This is a major priority in reaching our emission targets for 2030. Therefore, as the MLA for Thebacha I've supported this project wholeheartedly so we must ensure that there are no roadblocks with the success of this project. Does the Minister agree with that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the House, the infrastructure Minister had talked about the Memorandum of Understanding with the Taltson Hydro Expansion and referenced all the members of that MOU. However, as I said in my statement, there was one nation who has not signed on to the MOU, which I'm concerned about. Can the Minister explain if she shares that same concern, yes or no, and why? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On my left is Glen Rutland, our deputy clerk. And on my right is Christine Duffy, legislative counsel.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Don Webb, president, constitutent of Fort Smith, and all the board members that are attending today and their staff. I also would like to say that I recognize the NWT Seniors Society for all the work they do for all seniors in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to appear today on Bill 76, An Act to Amend the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act.

The amendments proposed in this Act are in response to Motion 7019(2). Members passed that motion on November 3rd, 2023.

Madam Chair, this bill amends the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act to establish a commission within two years of the 2023 general election. Normally a commission would not be required until after the 2027 general election. However after this House rejected the recommendations from the most recent commission, it was decided to require a commission after...

Thank you. No, it will not.

Yes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Right from the beginning, I took the stand that I was going to vote against the carbon tax on Bill 60 because we had written submissions from the NWT Chamber of Commerce, you know, NWT Metis Nation. I've heard from at least six other Indigenous government leaders who are very much against the carbon tax, the NWT Seniors Society, and mostly all the residents of the NWT are against the carbon tax no matter where they live. It doesn't matter if they're from the Arctic or they're from the South Slave. All costs have gone up overall and there's a snowball effect. And there...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a former chief of the Salt River First Nation and was there for 14 years, I fully support this motion because I feel very strongly that the land claims settlements that are in place prevail over any other any other law, as the mover has explained in her explanation. And I firmly believe that this is the only way that we are going to go ahead with reconciliation, and I think that the government has an opportunity to make that right. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I fully support this motion, and I'm very happy that our nonIndigenous colleagues on this side...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this project could be a winwin situation for not only the residents of Fort Smith and the broader South Slave but for the whole NWT, thus we must ensure that communication occurs, and we must carry out our mandate items.

Will the Minister work with Cabinet to ensure that this project continues to be advanced and we will work with the First Nations that are most affected by this project, especially the one nation that has reserve lands bordering that dam. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.