Thebacha

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Part of the assessment process and response process is going to be to look at the cost of the recommendations and our response to what that may cost so that we, in fact, know what the bill will be if we are going to recommend a certain course of action. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

We have committed to work with committee to brief them when we have sufficient work done and we have our communication plan that involves the release of the work going forward and we will be, at the appropriate times, making sure the public is aware of the work that we have done. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The process is underway. It was underway prior to the release of the report when we were certain that it was coming. We have staff with ENR in the lead from across departments. We’re working with the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline office in Hay River and we’re working through committee systems with deputies to pull together the response and the work on the responses for the JRP with a goal to hitting the timelines so we can make sure there’s no further delays that we can get our responses in to the National Energy Board.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Yes, the Member can anticipate that.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those are all good questions that need to be answered and that we’re going to be considering. No, we’re not anywhere near ready to have talks outside of government. The work is barely a couple weeks old and we have a lot more to do.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

We’ve accumulated since 2005 a considerable amount of information on nearly every herd now, with the possible exemption of the Ahiak, that looks on cow/calf ratio, bull/cow ratio, general health of the herd, calf survival, all those types of things. We gave an overview to committee earlier this week. If there is a wish for more detailed survey information, we’d be willing to provide that. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Work has been done to get the most accurate survey results we can for the Bathurst. Each diamond mine is required, by their operating licensing work that they commit to, to look at the impact that they have and sort of try to minimize any disruption to the wildlife in the area, including the caribou. That would take into play BHP, Diavik, as well as Snap Lake. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Mr. Speaker, in due course, that information will be public. I can’t at this moment commit to making anything public before it has gone through our internal process. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

I have seen nothing, nor am I aware currently of any plan to do any of this work, consult to modify or any other work required in secret. We know that we have to be accountable and we will definitely be keeping the issue of making sure the public are fully informed in mind as we go forward. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

We will be taking all the appropriate steps using all the appropriate mechanisms that are determined to be necessary to possibly be invoked as we look at the recommendations one by one. I have not seen the work to date. I know that the officials are at it. We know that we have some tight timelines and we know we want it to be clear, comprehensive and be able to stand scrutiny and be shown to have followed due process. Thank you.