Louis Sebert

No, I have no idea what the demand might be, but I have heard that it may be considerable. We have not yet entered into any sort of an agreement, or even contemplated agreements yet with possible suppliers who, of course, must be licensed by the federal government.

We're always pleased to appear in front of committee. Of course, Members will know that the Power Corporation doesn't fall under normal business plans as it's overseen by the Public Utilities Board, so that's where they appear in front of, but to provide more information with respect to these or other matters, I'd always be very happy to appear in front of committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I mentioned, we are hoping still to get delivery of the three of five generators. With respect to legal action, we understand from our counsel in California that that would be exceedingly complex if we had to take that route; there may be other parties that could have priority. We are still hoping to get delivery of these generators. As I say, we are hoping to get at least three of the five in the near future. If we don't get those and we cannot pursue legal action in the State of California, which as I say may be very, very difficult, we will have to re-tender.

The department does not issue land use permits in the Mackenzie Valley; that is, of course, the responsibility of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board. I understand the department has provided assistance in the past to the band to assist with the necessary paperwork, and we would certainly be hoping to do so again, to provide that assistance so that the permitting process can be properly followed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This issue has been managed from the beginning by the regional office in Fort Simpson and the support from headquarters. The Member opposite will know that I was in the community in April and again in July and listened to concerns raised. I certainly heard the concerns of the chief and the SAO. I made no comment or made no negotiation with respect to this matter, which would been inappropriate, as the matter was before the court. Again, I think the matter has been dealt with by legal counsel on both sides.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands takes its responsibility to administer and manage public lands in the Northwest Territories seriously. That is why, over the summer, the department engaged with Indigenous governments, stakeholders, and the public on potential changes to the Northwest Territories Lands Act and the Commissioner’s Land Act. This input will, for the first time, allow for a made-in-the-North approach to managing land in the Northwest Territories.

Since devolution, administration of public lands in the Northwest Territories has fallen under two separate acts: the Northwest...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following three documents entitled "Annual Report on the Activities of the Rental Officer, April 16, 2016 to March 31, 2017," "28th Annual Report, 2016-2017, Victims Assistance Committee of the NWT," and "Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Legal Aid Commission, 2016-2017." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well, it is rather hard to determine what the demand and supply is of an illegal product. I do not know how we will determine that, but I will say that Federal Minister Goodale in speaking to us at the FPT last week estimated that the illegal market in Canada was somewhere between $7 and $9 billion, so I think we can anticipate that the market is significant throughout the country and, perhaps, no less per capita here than elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, as this House will know, public meetings have been held in I think nine communities. The last public hearing was today. I understand there is a wide variety of concerns being expressed. Of course, production of cannabis will be licensed by the federal government under the Cannabis Act. That is the proposed legislation. Thank you.

I'm not sure of the financial situation or otherwise of Virdi Power. Clearly, we have made apparent to them our grave concerns about this matter and we also retained, apart from legal counsel which I mentioned earlier, an independent quality control inspector to provide progress reports. Progress is slow and, frankly, Virdi Power is way behind in delivery.