Louis Sebert

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 28, 2018, I will move that Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Securities Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

While I may have said that the 10 per cent rate was good, the 5 per cent was even better. We certainly did listen to the Members opposite as they raised concerns. I think there was an extensive period of consultation. As I say, this issue was certainly before the public in the sense that it had been reported in the House and raised many times, quite properly, by the Members opposite, so I think the proper consultation was done and that the changes we have made were and are reasonable. Thank you.

A letter was sent to standing committee in August of 2016, indicating that we were thinking about changing these fees that had been in effect for a very long period of time. The changes were proposed in the 2016-2017 business plans, and discussed with committee, and also discussed during the Lands mains estimates in February 2017, in accordance with our established protocols. In July 2017 we informed SCOPP that the consultation period had closed, and that we were proceeding with amending regulations, and that the pre-gazette period was about to start. The period was for 90 days, and ended on...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Kevin Smith, Deputy Mayor of Fort Smith and recently very active in the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, May 28, 2018, I will move that Bill 14, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act 2018, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 121-18(3): TerraX Ptarmigan Mine," and "Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 165-18(3): Land Tenure Engagement Sessions." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Of course, costs are always a concern. As I mentioned earlier, one of our problems is we are serving a vast territory with a very small population, so on a per capita basis, yes, our costs do seem very high. We are always looking at ways to reduce costs and reduce also the amount of criminal activity in the Northwest Territories through such initiatives as DVTO Court and Wellness Court.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have not yet had an opportunity to review the Macdonald-Laurier report, but I think we have been concerned over the last two years about some of the methodology. We don't think, in many ways, it correctly reflected our situation where we have vast distances and have a very small population. I do note that with respect to some of the more objective findings, such as the time required to get to court, we were near the top. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the Department of Lands recognizes and honours the land claim process as of the First Nations of the Northwest Territories. While these negotiations are taking place, the administration and control of land is in these areas that aren't federal remains a responsibility of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Further, the department consults with the Indigenous governments on any land administration actions in accordance with our procedures with respect to the Interim Measures Agreements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The department uses the assessed value which I have described to calculate the annual lease fee for each Commissioner's land parcel. This fee is based on the assessed value of the parcel each year. Some, such as seniors and non-profit organizations, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount off the annual lease fee paid on Commissioner's land.