Louis Sebert

Mr. Chair, I do believe there is evidence that growth in the resource economy has slowed. I hope that is just not anecdotal evidence that I have heard. I do believe that there has been far less in the oil and gas industry, down the valley. As to the diamond industry referenced by the Member, there has been continuing robust, some robust activity in that. One mine has closed down, and another one has opened. With respect to Snap Lake specifically, I understand that inspections to this point have raised no concerns. Thank you.

I think one of the possibilities we are looking at is to make the clerical and organizational functions part of the department, that is delivered by the government. Thank you.

Yes, Mr. Chair, I do know that the federal government does in fact pay for inmates who are up here, so it is not as though we suffer any loss from it. In fact, I understand, looking at some figures, that $1.6 million is anticipated, and the actuals in 2015-16 were for $1.35 million.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand that about $400,000 of that goes to the contractor.

Mr. Speaker, I know that any complaints of the type mentioned by the Member opposite are treated seriously by the Power Corporation, are carefully considered, and promptly responded to. I think the Power Corporation, within its own staff, would have the ability to look into and respond to the questions of the type brought forward by the Member opposite. I don't think we'd be prepared to hire an independent scientist to look into this matter in view of the likely expense, which would have to be passed on to the ratepayers.

The dam at Twin Gorges on the Taltson is a runoftheriver dam, so the water either flows around the dam or through it, so it would have little impact on the river downstream. If there was something exceptional, of course, the Power Corporation should and I think would advise those who use the river.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table to following document entitled "Government of the Northwest Territories' response to Motion 2718(2): A New Day Men's Healing Program." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don't have that information before me, but I could look into it and supply the information to the Member opposite.

Mr. Speaker, the Northern Canada Power Corporation did in fact build the dam on the Taltson River at Twin Gorges. The dam was completed in 1965. I am sure that what the Member opposite has stated was likely the case in that there was little or no consultation with local residents. Of course, any expansion of the dam would involve an environmental assessment that would be very comprehensive and take a considerable amount of time. So times have changed and the requirements for these types of projects clearly have changed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Sahtu Land Use Planning Board is the authority for amendments of Zone 41, and I can advise that there is an application to make an amendment now that the final boundary for the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve is established. So Lands is coordinating a cohesive NWT position to take to the board. Thank you.