Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations respects and appreciates Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts’ work to implement and improve access to information and protection of privacy in the Northwest Territories. The committee looks forward to real progress in this field over the course of the 17th Assembly.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] In the Northwest Territories we are all living in the Northwest Territories. This is what I’m going to be talking about. A lot of people are living in small habitats and these are some of the things I’m going to be talking about. In regard to Hay River Reserve, I’m going to be talking about these issues. Hay River is… [Translation ends]

…300 people. It is a beautiful community, especially at this time of year when the trees are so green. Dene traditions are strong and there’s great interest on anything that impacts traditional lifestyles, such as the proposed...

Just for clarification, what is the term life of a forest management agreement?

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...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its Report of the Review of the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and commends it to this House.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Members would like to thank Ms. Elaine Keenan Bengts for the report and for her appearance before the committee on February 14, 2012.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an...

Yes. If I could, I would just like to ask a final question, Madam Chair. Thank you for the response in terms of clarifying the forest management agreement with more likely local organizations for terms of 15 years.

Is there an effort to try to ensure that communities, if at the local level the department is equally going to work parallel with them to ensure they build up capacities at the same time? It’s a cooperative effort so, in the end, there’s a forest management agreement that’s beneficial to both the government and local organizations. Does the department have a position to try to help...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Often it’s stated that children are special gifts in our future. I could not agree more to this strong statement. There’s a statement in Dene culture: You become a child twice in your life – in the beginning and the latter part of your life. This is what I understand is the special relationship between children and elders.

Children are the spirit of our communities. Parents and extended families play a critical role in raising our children. In the northern communities we have some initiatives in preschools, daycares, playschools and kindergarten programs. I understand...