Louis Sebert

Yes, this is a complicated situation, as the Member well knows, and it has been difficult for us. I think I will let my deputy minister get into some of the details about what is going on. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. As has been mentioned, the budget includes a reinstatement for the Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics to fund the three positions there. I understand that that is unchanged. Of course, that reverses the phase 2 reduction proposal that was to take effect in 2018-2019. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Sorry, I am not entirely sure I understand the question. I understand the Member is pointing to something on page 320; could he direct us to which line?

Thank you. No, I think that when a senior member of the government makes a promise of the type made, that we are honour-bound to fulfill that promise. Thank you.

Yes, as the Member indicated, we did, of course, inherit much of this, in fact, all of it from the federal government in 2014. Perhaps Mr. Hagen can expand a bit on some of the work that we have been doing. Thank you.

Thank you. I understand most of the amount for that strategy is in planning and coordination.

I think the determining factor is where the cabin is located. If it is in a settled land claims area or on treaty land, that resolves the question. With respect to the other part of the question asked, I do not believe that MACA does differentiate between the owners of the cabins. Thank you.

My understanding is that it's not in a settled area. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

There is funding of $100,000 in 2018-2019 to develop policies and procedures and criteria for evaluating land leases for agriculture, so hopefully that will address some of these issues. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, to my right is Willard Hagen, deputy minister. To my left Brenda Hilderman, director of Finance and Administration. Thank you, Mr. Chair.