Now that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has intervened to support the extension of the Mackenzie Valley Natural Gas Project certificate with the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations, how does the Minister see himself carrying out his regulatory role so as to avoid an apprehension of bias?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT filed a letter of support earlier this week on February 15, 2016 with the National Energy Board and the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations for a seven-year extension to the certificate for a Mackenzie gas pipeline. Can the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment confirm that there was no consultation with Regular Members on the GNWT position? Thank you.

 [English translation not provided]. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the popularity and salute the success of a course promoting greater use and understanding of aboriginal language and culture here in Yellowknife. The six-week Wiiliideh language and culture course is delivered to about 15 students from classrooms in Detah and Ndilo. Wiiliideh language instructor par excellence Mary Rose Sundberg is the teacher. Now in its third year, the popularity of this course has grown to the point where organizers are getting about four times as many applications as there are seats available...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to the deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today on rules amendments for the standing committees of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I gave notice of earlier today on appointments to the Standing Committee on Social Development.

I give notice that on Monday, February 22, 2016, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that the Rules of the Legislative Assembly be amended by making the following changes to Rule 89(2) by deleting the word “Infrastructure” and replacing it with the word “Environment” and by deleting the word “Programs” and replacing it with the word “Development”; and further, that Appendix 3, forming part of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly, be repealed and the following be substituted:

APPENDIX 3

COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Standing...

That’s a piece of good news. I find out about it in the House, but thank you. Will the Minister commit to a public review of the structure and reporting relationships of the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations so as to avoid a conflict of interest between GNWT roles as intervener and regulator?

I do not wish to debate the merits of whether the certificate should be extended or not. The issue is how and when Cabinet will consult with Regular Members before major decisions are made. Can the Minister explain to this House how and when the Executive intends to consult Regular Members on matters before decisions are made?

 Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Chief Ernest Betsina, who I have had the pleasure of playing hockey with once in a while. I would also like to recognize Lyda Fuller, who is the executive director for the Yellowknife YWCA, and she is also a constituent, and any other Frame Lake residents that I can’t see that might be seated up there.

I seek unanimous consent to have my rather lengthy motion deemed read and printed in the Hansard in its entirety, and thanks to the Clerks for that.