Joe Handley

Mr. Chairman, a lot of the services are already services that are engaged in the department. Very often the kinds of services we require in the ministry are based on particular expertise that the individual might have. In this case, we are proposing to continue on with the same companies or individuals, that have been used in the past. If there is a need for additional or other services, then I want to look at putting those through a regular process. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, a lot of the communication on issues would be done on a case-by-case basis. As we have a new program or a new initiative brought to Cabinet, then part of the expectation is that a communications strategy is outlined at the same time. Mr. Speaker, we know that we have 16 positions whose jobs are dedicated primarily to communications. There may be ways we can look at improving the coordination and efficiency of our communications people in the department, but that’s something we will develop as we move along over the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proponents of this very good project, in my view, for the region will certainly be taking that into consideration. The project, when it proceeds, will have to go through the environmental review process. As it does that, no doubt it will go to the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, who have responsibility for looking at socioeconomic benefits. It’s through that mechanism and that process that the impact benefits and socioeconomic benefits would be looked at. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled, "Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Beaufort-Delta Region." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this project is proposed as a joint venture between the Akaitcho, the Metis and the Power Corporation. The government will not take on responsibility or liability for the impact of it, but we expect that the joint venture partners, if the project goes ahead, would be required to take on those responsibilities that assume the liabilities for the impact of this. The government’s role in this project is to support it--I think it’s good for the region, I think it’s good for the Northwest Territories--and to ensure that it works to the benefit of most people. We believe it’s a good...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the proposal to expand the Taltson is being proposed as a joint venture between the Akaitcho people, the NWT Metis and the Power Corporation. The partners have just begun to do consultations with the communities in the impacted area. Part of the consultation, certainly part of the consideration, is to hear what concerns people may have because of the impact of this expansion. My information from them is that they fully intend to look at the issue of impact benefits. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Allen on March 16, 2004, regarding a bill of intent to seek provincial status.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and it partners in the Aboriginal Summit are currently involved in devolution negotiations with the Government of Canada that are expected to lead to the transfer of jurisdiction over lands, water and resources to the Government of the Northwest Territories. While the negotiations are aimed at the transfer to the GNWT of jurisdictions similar to those exercised by the provinces, it is not the government’s...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will raise it with the Aboriginal Summit when we have the opportunity to have both sides meet at negotiations. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In principle, I certainly agree with the notion of setting up a trust fund or a heritage fund or something that ensures that the wealth we have in a particular year or years can benefit future generations. In order to have the ability to contribute to a trust fund, we have to have the dollars to put into it. I hope that within the life of this government that we are there, that we have settled devolution and resource revenue sharing and we are in a position where we can have our NWT trust fund or heritage fund. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like the honourable Member, I was also very pleased with what moved, the attitude, the commitments that were made around the table this morning in the Intergovernmental Forum meeting. I think it was an excellent beginning. I am really pleased that the federal government has now signed on to the framework agreement. I think those are all good things that mean we are making significant progress here.

Mr. Speaker, I intend, as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, to ensure that we will always be proud to have the Auditor General or anybody else come and look at the steps we...