Statements in Debates
Thanks, Mr. Chair. When do the Minister and the department anticipate actually looking at the royalty regime? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. It was my understanding and I believe it was stated in committee that, with the amendments that were made that the Minister has already concurred with, that some of them do impact and affect the authority and jurisdiction of the National Energy Board as it relates to the ISR. Do any of those amendments require federal concurrence? Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. Why did the Minister and his department seek federal concurrence on these bills while they were before committee? Thank you.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I agree with this recommendation. I am disappointed that the department and the Minister did not actually conduct a comprehensive evaluation of this significant discovery licence issues and problems. There were some options set out in discussion materials that were part of this development of these bills. I don't believe that there was a systematic, inclusive evaluation of the options. Those options include things like even doing away completely with significant discovery licences so that a company would jump from an exploration licence straight to a production licence.
What...
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I raised the Redwater case in a Member's statement and asked questions of our Minister of Justice about this. The answers that I got back weren't really all that satisfactory. It doesn't appear to me that our government is taking a serious look at this court case and what it means to prevent liability accruing to our government. I don't believe that the lessons learned from that have been incorporated even into this legislation to the extent that they can and should have. We are going to come back to this again, I am sure, in the future, but I support the recommendation...
Merci, Monsieur le President. I am glad to hear that the Premier is in such a collaborative mood today. I hope that he can actually start to work with Members on this side of the House.
Earlier I cited how, in my view, this was a breach of the guiding principles of consensus government. I will just quote again: "Except under extraordinary circumstances, Members of the Legislative Assembly should be made aware of and have opportunity to discuss significant announcements, changes, consultations, or initiatives before they are released to the public." I would like to know from the Premier why he...
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that. I understand that this is complicated. Now I will push my luck. If we can even get it before the end of next week, that would be even better. I will leave that with the Minister and his staff; they are laughing over there at me, but we have a shelf life here, and I would like to get that information before mine expires. Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Of course, the Premier is under no obligation to actually answer questions, but if he does have that letter, the signed version, it would be great to see it. Can the Premier tell us whether he consulted or informed his Cabinet colleagues about this letter before it was signed and sent?
Thanks, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister or staff tell me when this bill will come into force? Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Merci, Monsieur le President.
Bill 36 establishes a term of 15 years for significant discovery licences (SDL) where previously exclusive rights to petroleum lands were granted for an indefinite time. Committee received submissions that questioned the 15-year term and were seeking answers on why this number was chosen. Considering term limits in other jurisdictions while taking into account the unique conditions of the Northwest Territories, committee believes that 15 years is a time limit that would allow industry to do work and still insert a time-bound requirement.
Several submissions...