Kevin A. Menicoche

Natural justice must prevail. I clearly laid out in my Member’s statement with regard to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that people are innocent until proven guilty, yet here the Minister is saying perhaps they are breaching a code of conduct. They’re actually not. It has to be proven in a court of law. I would like to cover off in other departments, Justice, maybe RCMP, people are actually not suspended without pay. They are delegated other duties in their department.

Why are we taking a hard-line position, especially when we’re not following any natural justice process? I think we’ve got...

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister if the current application process is something that we inherited as a result of devolution, because it seems so cumbersome and it’s a whole different process when constituents throughout the North are applying for agricultural lands. Is that something that can be reviewed as well? Thank you.

What help is available for residents who want to access land for farming and are struggling with the rules and red tape? It seems that the application process is cumbersome with the guidelines and procedures.

What kind of help does the department have with an applicant working through the application process? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I believe we are missing a significant opportunity to live better, eat better, diversify our economy, create local jobs and be more independent in the Northwest Territories. We must grow in quantity more of our own food.

A constituent tells me, “Have you ever thought what happens when the food trucks stop coming north?” We tend to forget that the southern half of our territory is very sunny and has some potentially good agriculture land. Hay River has had some degree of success and so could Fort Simpson and probably other communities as well. It is a vision...

I’d just like to know, how does the Department of Lands work with the affected First Nations to process potential leases for agricultural lands? Is there a separate process when somebody applies for agricultural land when working with the First Nations as opposed to say industrial development or different development? Is there a separate process when the application is for agricultural land? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement. It’s about agricultural lands and the application process. I would like to ask the Minister of Lands again about what role the Lands department is playing in ITI’s Agriculture Strategy.

I would like to know how the two departments are coordinating their efforts so that this strategy actually works and makes agricultural lands easier for our residents to apply for. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If a member of the public was looking at this document they would see that, despite how many times I’ve been raising Highway No. 7 in this Legislature, over the years there is no contribution here. If the Minister can explain that, and I’ll certainly be looking for a response with regard to that. Why is it not on this document and what’s the attention this government is going to give Highway No. 7?

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, I believe that we can continue to do it. We’ve got the power in this House. With devolution, we’re growing up, and I believe that we can find a way. I’ve indicated in my Member’s statement about how much I value Mr. Premier’s negotiating abilities, and I believe that he can find a way around it.

I guess one of the barriers for those additional 7,000 square kilometres is about the precept or the concept that your population base is based on figures from 30 years ago. I would like to ask the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, can he revisit that or find a...

Certainly, the three parties have invested over 30 years of hard negotiating time. I was getting at that I think the GNWT is taking a more important role. In fact, Mr. Premier met with the Dehcho leadership around two weeks ago, and they left that meeting somewhat disheartened. They thought they were there to speak with the Premier at that time that we hosted the meeting and find some more common ground. They want to complete the negotiations and fulfill their aspirations for self-government.

I’d like to ask the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs once again, how much weight does the GNWT have in...

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to support the Dehcho First Nations’ aspirations for a settled claim and a fair and reasonable deal. The talks have indeed stalled and I hope not staled. There must be a way to sit down and find common ground once again.

Our government, Canada and the Dehcho First Nations has spent over 30 years of hard work on negotiations. It will be a shame not to evaluate the situation and to find a political solution.

Our Premier is an excellent negotiator and strong administrator. He will be remembered as the Premier that brought devolution home. I hope he can use...