Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. With regard to the intergovernmental relations, I just wanted to seek some clarification and information. As of April 1, 2014, as we proceed with devolution, I know the Premier has indicated there will be an Intergovernmental Council that will reside with the GNWT plus First Nations people sitting at one table. Is there a provision within the act that will clearly stipulate the role of the Intergovernmental Council? Mahsi.

I’d like to thank the Minister for his reply. In the Economic Opportunities Strategy it’s clearly outlined that this government is going to be supporting the fisheries industry in terms of at least bolstering the efforts of the Great Slave Lake area.

What resources are available in 2014-15 for communities that want to develop the commercial fisheries? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like all Aboriginal people of the NWT, the people of Kakisa have fished for generations. Kakisa was established in 1962 when the Dene living at Tathlina Lake moved to the east side of Kakisa Lake to be close to the Mackenzie Highway.

Fishing is integral to their way of life. In late 2012, Noda Enterprises, the business arm of Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation, opened a fish plant in Kakisa. This basic fish processing and holding facility allows local fishermen to prepare pickerel for sale in the region as an alternative to selling to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.

In...

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.

How would the department work on behalf of communities to ensure that some of those federal dollars that the federal government has committed will be available for communities in terms of establishing technology, whether broadband or fibre optics? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My questions are to the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Recently I made a statement, obviously, about the broadband accomplishments on the reserve. I wanted to ask the Minister if he could update this House in terms of the GNWT’s involvement with the broadband initiative of the fibre optic link on the reserve. Mahsi.