Michael Nadli

Madam Speaker, is there a position at the GNWT in terms of ensuring that there is a balance between conservation and also economic initiatives? Does the GNWT have a policy on that? Mahsi.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. As you all know, the Protected Areas Strategy initiative is a collaborative effort from two levels of government, including the federal government and the GNWT, also along with NGOs, First Nations, and it has been an initiative that has been fairly successful throughout the Northwest Territories. It makes the effort to identify special ecological cultural futures of community initiatives and to try and set aside those lands for protection. Can the Minister give an update of the various PAS initiatives...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think the point is that in terms of energy and in terms of what’s been proposed in terms of the public consultation in terms of looking at the Power Corporation, I can’t help but sense the plight of consumers and their concern because of the increased costs of energy that we provide to our communities. I think as a responsible government we need to ensure that we create options for our consumers. I think the initiatives in terms of some of the alternative energy programs that this government has undertaken is good and I think it’s a good step. There’s nothing really...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. What steps would the department entertain to ensure that the success of the PAS initiative for the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation is concluded? Mahsi.

Madam Speaker, what is the position of the GNWT in terms of selecting areas for candidate areas for PAS initiatives at the local level? Mahsi.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the people in my region, I want to say welcome to Kakisa. Kakisa was founded in 1962 when the Slavey people living near Tathlina Lake moved closer to the Mackenzie Highway. It is now home to 54 NWT residents. Close to 80 percent of the residents can speak in their own Aboriginal language.

Kakisa is a progressive, independent mining community we can be proud of. People recognize that the community can become more self-sustaining much more easily than a city. Leaders have expressed an interest in alternative energy in the central heating system and are...

Thank you, Madam Chair. In respect to the budget for this year, we’re setting the stage for the next four years. I’d also like to take the time to commend the department in terms of leading the charge, so to speak, in terms of the development of a Water Stewardship Strategy. I think that’s a very big plus. I think more than anything I would expect, through the association and support with First Nations, a very unique template in terms of water monitoring, water legislation, ensuring we always have access to fresh water. At the same time, it’s standardized so that it is publicly safe to consume...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How is this government ensuring that in developing the Wildlife Act, that Aboriginal treaty rights of the K’atlodeeche First Nations will be respected? Mahsi.

Thank you. I’d like to thank the Minister for his response. How is this government’s role different than it has been with communities when there’s no reserve? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of the 2010-2011 Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission Annual Report and commends it to this House.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations has completed its review of the 2010-2011 Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission Annual Report. The committee would like to thank Ms. Mary Pat Short, chair of the NWT Human Rights Commission, and Ms. Therese Boullard, director of human rights, for their appearance before the committee on February 13, 2012, on the 2010-2011...