Statements in Debates
Thanks, Madam Chair. I look forward to maybe a large supplementary appropriation, then, to assist with that work. I want to ask a question about the community transfer initiatives on 211. The amount there is actually declining, and I would like an explanation as to why it is declining in the time or whether, in fact, it should be actually increasing in terms of economic relief and recovery. Thanks, Madam Chair.
Merci, Monsieur le President. The first Northwest Territories Poverty Report Card was released by Alternatives North in November 2020. I've reviewed it, and it's hard to summarize in a few words. The ones that come to mind are "overwhelming" and "shocking." I can't possibly hope to do the report justice, but suffice it to say that income disparity between rich and poor, small communities and larger centres, and within communities continues to be a huge problem that the COVID pandemic has only highlighted and, in some cases, made worse.
The GNWT has had an Anti-Poverty Strategy since 2013 but...
Thanks, Madam Chair. We don't know how much it is, but it might be slightly greater than the dash or the zero that might appear there. It's estimated for 2021-2022 that we are only going to get $1.5 million for royalties from diamond mining and oil and gas? Is that right? Just wondering if it's a typo again. Thanks, Madam Chair.
Thanks. I eagerly await that. Can someone tell me: what is the status of the NWT Film Strategy and Action Plan? Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thanks, Madam Chair. That's not good news. That's almost $100 million worth of work that could and should have been done in the Sahtu. It's great that we get a $45 million cash windfall, but in converting this to a significant discovery licence, is that being done under the old legislation or the new legislation? Is there any requirement for even one cent to be spent under a significant discovery licence? Thanks, Madam Chair.
I think I'm going to move on because I'm not getting anywhere. I want to ask about the status. Is there any money in here for there was supposed to be a new NWT Arts Strategy, and I'm not sure where that falls between ECE and ITI. Maybe I could get an update of the status of that and what involvement ITI has and whether there is any money in here for that. Thanks, Madam Chair.
Thanks, Madam Chair. Yes. I appreciate that. I just want to get a little bit more clarification of what this work bid forfeiture actually is. Does this mean that Husky has surrendered its exploration licence and that they are not going to be carrying out I think it was over $300 million worth of work that they were required to carry out to keep their exploration licence in good standing? Is that what has happened here? Thanks, Madam Chair.
Thanks, Madam Chair. Okay, so now I've got a total of $300,000. The Minister, I think, mentioned $350,000 in her opening remarks, and then I got a figure of $200,000 here. Look, I'm not an accountant, but something just doesn't seem to be quite right, there. Can I get a better explanation? Thanks, Madam Chair.
Thanks, Madam Chair. Thanks to the Minister. Is the Minister going to share that report with the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment? Thanks, Madam Chair.
No. Thanks, Madam Chair, and thanks to the Minister and his staff. I'll probably be asking about the status of it in May/June, so just a little head's up. Thank you. That's all I've got. Thanks, Madam Chair.