Michael Nadli

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Kakisa, of course, is a small community, but I’m very pleased to state that the community has been working together, especially to the benefit of the local fishermen. I think DFO has been involved with working with the First Nations community at the same time, and as a product of working together, a small building was constructed.

So my question to the Minister of ITI is: What resources are available for Kakisa to extend the operating season of its fish plant beyond the summer and fall? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that we report progress.

---Carried

Thank you. I’d like to thank the Minister for sharing that information. I have three points, by the way, but my second point is a matter of jurisdiction and that relates to the Hay River Reserve. I know it has been a challenge of this government to try and work through the levels of authority and legislation because the reserve is a unique jurisdiction in the NWT tied with the federal government. I know it has been a dilemma and frustration, at least from constituents, to see houses that remain empty and yet governments are basically stymied of trying to reach a solution. I know there have...

I just wanted to at least get a sense of… I know there have been some challenges in moving the negotiations forward, and I think there seems to be an interest in terms of trying to ensure that all parties remain committed to moving the process along. I wanted to come to an understanding if is there is a specific timeline, as to I know there have been discussions of an agreement-in-principle. Recently, the Dehcho First Nations leadership met in Fort Providence. Of course, their annual assembly is going to happen this summer. I’m trying to get at least a sense from this government to see, from...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the Premier and the deputy minister for giving me an update.

One of the very fundamental issues that has been perhaps the fundamental stumbling block is in terms of the land quantum of the Dehcho First Nations. Most recently some issue was taken in terms of interpretation of how it is that this government is dealing with the main table discussions and more particularly so in terms of the 45 percent ratio of whether indeed at the end of the day the land claims process that will be at least the disposition of land or lands that remain as 45 percent open for the...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If you recall, I was the last speaker on this matter, but I wanted to identify a concern that has been expressed to me on several occasions and that’s in regard to summer students. I understand with the facts before us that we’re trying to promote and advance opportunities for Northerners, and for First Nations in particular, to join the GNWT for jobs and career opportunities. It’s always been, I think, the wish and the encouragement as parents and as people of the North to promote education that’s of value in terms of bringing changes to the overall society.

So, given...

This government promoted the idea of the Mackenzie Valley fibre optic link. It will be possible at some point, if it’s established, to link all communities across the NWT.

How is the GNWT, especially through ITI or all departments, working to ensure that communities at some point will be able to take advantage of these technologies? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Hay River Reserve is moving ahead with its fibre optic infrastructure. Starting in 2007, funding from CanNor helped the K’atlodeeche First Nation to move forward on an initiative to bring broadband telecommunications to the community. Five local band members built the one-kilometre link that connects several municipal buildings. The community hopes to connect more public places, in particular the band office, arena and the store.

The First Nation hopes to lease the fibre optic link to NorthwesTel and Telus, who can provide improved telecommunications services to residents...

My final question is there is a critical component to this process and that is the Dehcho Land Use Planning Process. I know the GNWT has been involved with it, the Dehcho First Nation, but for some time there was an absent member from the federal side. How is the GNWT helping out to ensure that the federal government remain at least, or appoint a member on the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a couple of questions. First and foremost is the sense of optimism that seems to be leading the talks in terms of the bilateral discussions with the groups that haven’t come aboard on the Devolution Agreement. Particularly for the Dehcho First Nations there seems to be hope that perhaps there could be an agreement within sight. I’d like to ask the Minister for an update as to the progress of those talks. Thank you.