Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to highlight some comments. First of all, I wanted to thank the Members of the Standing Committee on Social Development, my colleagues, and of course, our committee was led by my colleague, Mr. Shane Thompson, the Member for Nahendeh. Also, recognizing the members of the public that attended the public meetings and wrote to the committee. Of course, last but not least is the Minister and the department and their staff, for working collaboratively with the committee. This discussion would not be possible without their cooperation and assistance.

In short, we...

Has the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation done any analysis to determine what its annual losses might be if it provided these programs to low-income clients without the need for homeowners' insurance? In other words, is the valley of investment so high that it is worth denying low-income clients who need home ownership assistance just because they don't have insurance?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As I stated in my Member's statement, some residents of the K'atlodeeche First Nation want to repair their homes but do not have home insurance and so were denied assistance. My question is to the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. What kind of education or information does the NWT Housing Corporation offer for home-ownership clients, to encourage the need for home insurance? Mahsi.

Thank you. Now, in speaking of Indigenous governments, the presumption is that Indigenous governments have section 35 rights. Is that at a constitutional or federal level?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Again, maybe I am trying to seek a legal opinion on the matter. It relates to process. I have heard the term loosely thrown around with this that a lot of these matters that we are seeking detail on have been deferred to regulations now. As a legislature, our primary task is to legislate changes and legislate government initiatives. It is perhaps unprecedented that we find ourselves moving towards the impression or expectation as legislators that we will be involved with regulations as well.

Could I get an opinion from legal counsel if that is perhaps where we might find...

Just for the record, First Nations have to be recognized is to have a settled land claim. Is that how it will be recognized? Yet, at the same time, we don't recognize treaty areas?

Just for the record, if maybe the law clerk could clarify for me that point, I think that it is a legal question. In my own mind, I want to understand the certainty of the language. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to seek clarity from the law clerk as well. Just an observation, fundamentally, I think it goes to the heart of this proposed legislation that there is distinction between settlement areas and areas that don't have a land claim that could be perhaps referred to as regions or treaty areas. My question is: would settlement areas also mean treaty areas? Thank you.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Three couples of the Deh Cho riding celebrated long-term anniversaries with family get-togethers, dinners, and dances. The loving couples were treated like royalty by their families and created lots of love and happiness in their community.

The union of two people in love and major is a special moment in life. Living and building a life together commonly brings the joy of children and family. Of course, there are the low points and the challenges, but working through those moments together only make you stronger. I am happy to recognize the following married couples who...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's all, thank you.