Great Slave

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

As the Member stated, in the 18th Legislative Assembly, ITI committed to such a comprehensive review of the PRA and the OGOA. I am pleased to confirm that the review has begun, and it is ongoing. The results of that review will inform our next steps regarding this suite of regulations. In addition, we are working with the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations on implementing the statutory measures that were passed by the 18th Assembly aimed at making the industry more transparent and responsive to the needs of our territory.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

While I can’t say “yes” on this one, however, I would have to look to my colleagues to approve any supplementary asks that I may have going forward. If we determine that we do need more funding, we will be coming back to the Assembly to look for that funding, and I hope that the Member will say “yes” at that point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we do have funds available through existing programs, which can be accessed for this kind of equipment. They would include the SEED program, or Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development policy, and the Commercial Fisheries Industry Support Program. I can also confirm we have provided funding for GPS equipment in the past, and we’re going to continue to make this part of our discussion as we go through the process of revitalization.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

As mentioned, the cap in the regulations relates to the no-fault portion that an operator would be required to pay. Those regulation provisions will be part of the review that the department is undertaking. Without having had their input on that review, I do not want to make that commitment at this time to the Member.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member mentioned, there is only a cap on liability when the person or entity who holds the authorization is not proven to be at fault for the spill or discharge, or other similar event. The cap balances the right to swift compensation against the lack of proof of responsibility, and ensures that funds can be accessed promptly, without having to prove fault or negligence on the part of the operator. If an operator or any person is proven to be at fault for a spill, there is no legislated limit on its financial liability and no cap on what they would need to pay to...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 14)

Yes, we work with WSCC and Transport Canada, who is the regulator of fishing vessels, to promote safety for all of our fishers, and again, the revitalization strategy works to implement mandatory training and supports fishers to bring their equipment and their vessels up to standards, and we are going to continue to work going forward to ensure that the safety is improved for all fishers on the lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Excuse me, here. Marine Transportation Services continues to improve capacity to upgrade a professional and reliable marine shipping service in a challenging Arctic environment. It remains committed to providing the best possible service to all customers. I am currently looking to instruct my department to provide me with a fulsome summary of the marine transportation system so I can have a better understanding of how it all operates, so I can ensure that it is moving forward in the proper manner. I can commit to sharing information with the Member as I receive it, and...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

While I would not like to speak to that specific instance or person, as that is not appropriate for me, we have been having a larger conversation about the composition of our boards in the Northwest Territories and making sure that they more adequately and accurately reflect the people who they are supposed to be making decisions for. I commit to the Member that I will review the appointment of our board member and look into ensuring that that person is more representative of the people who they are speaking for.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

I'm not sure if my department would be engaged to provide feedback to the trucking industry. However, we could definitely look into some ways and see if there is an opportunity, or a forum that maybe we need to become a member of, in order to be providing that. I did want to say, with respect to the mud and the rocks, and such, we are trying to implement, as much as we can, chipseal programs on roads that are not currently paved. Chipseal is basically a type of asphalt or pavement. We are looking to reduce the number of gravel roads that we have; however, again, very expensive. We also have a...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I have not read those two documents. I do commit to the Member to getting to them as soon as possible. I have had some scheduling constraints that have made delving into every departmental item quite difficult. I will commit to the Member that I will take a read of those items. Thank you.