Deh Cho

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 40)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I read a statement on the K’atlodeeche First Nation Reserve, so my question is to the Premier. Can the Premier update the House on the current status of the KFN negotiations with Canada and the GNWT? Mahsi.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to address a question to the Minister. Just recently there was a report of a fire that is smoldering underneath the ground level between Fort Providence and Fort Simpson. I was wondering if there’s going to be any impacts on further costs. I know the fire season is over, but we’re kind experiencing perhaps different forest fires from year to year, so I just wanted to pose the question.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The land claims and self-government processes are basically predicated by federal government policy including, just to name perhaps two, the comprehensive land claims policies and the inherent rights to self-government.

What guide and policy does the GNWT take into consideration when engaging First Nations on lands, resources and self-government arrangements?

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re marching towards the April 1st, 2014, deadline of completing the devolution transfer process. However, we have regions that haven’t settled their land claims and, at the same time, haven’t signed on to the Devolution Agreement. So my questions are for the Premier.

The Intergovernmental Council that’s described in the post-Devolution Agreement sets a relationship between this government and also Aboriginal governments. Will the Dehcho and Akaitcho be involved in that process in terms of the Intergovernmental Council? Mahsi.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Mr. Chair, it kind of begs the question in terms of how the department might be approaching the next forest fire season. I know he has stated what is assessed in approaching these kinds of fires are the values at risk. Would there be a fairly consistent policy from the previous years in prioritizing how it is that we mobilize resources on these forest fires coming this year? Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier perhaps give us an indication of a timeline when those groups that haven’t signed on to the devolution process may come to the table?

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you. Unsettled regions are described as historical treaties and the Premier just indicated they’re making efforts to ensure that efforts are made to bring along the Dehcho and the Akaitcho with the devolution process.

Can the Premier explain the GNWT’s efforts to work with both regions to ensure they come on board on the devolution process? Mahsi.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 39)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every day in the news we hear troubling stories about poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, but they are not stories from far-off, distant lands. They are stories that affect the lives of Aboriginal peoples right here in Canada.

For anyone with a conscience, it should be deeply disturbing about the abuses of residential schools and the terrible living conditions in communities like Attawapiskat law enforcement to be concerned about the disappearance of countless Aboriginal women, or the destruction of our land and water by big industries engaging in practises such as...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 4th Session (day 38)

I think I had a moment of epiphany here, because what the Minister is telling me is that those responsibilities have been downloaded to those communities and they have the ultimate say. This is like devolution.

What obligations do the department and the Minister have in terms of meeting the needs of youth that are calling into these simple needs of establishing a BMX track or skating rink? What kind of obligations would the department continue to maintain? Mahsi.