Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My last question is: going forward, what actions will the GNWT take in the remainder of this Assembly, the 18th Assembly -- some might say that the 18th Assembly is already over -- but take to advance conservation and land protection initiatives like Edehzhie? Mahsi.

There was an initial schedule signed back in September, and parties, of course, that were involved, you know, sought clarity, and one of them was the GNWT. Can the Premier explain or update the territorial position on the subsurface withdrawal for Edehzhie?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. First, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to the House. I'm glad to be back myself, and Mr. Speaker, I'm also keen to share some very exciting news for conservation, reconciliation, and the future of our territory.

[English translation not provided.]

Also known as the Horn Plateau, Edehzhie has been called "the jewel" and "the breadbasket" of the Dehcho, the place where Dene have turned for generations. Edehzhie means "source waters" as it hosts the source waters for the Willowlake, Horn, and Rabbitskin Rivers, and at 14,200 square kilometers, it's bigger than both...

Yesterday evening, it meant a lot for the Federal Government of Canada to be there and Dehcho First Nations officials, as well, and it was a big, exciting event.

One of the steps that needs to happen to fulfill the future of our protected area and advance it through the federal process is transferring Edehzhie to the federal government. Could the Minister or the Premier explain in terms of how that process might work out?

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was in Fort Providence, the home community of Premier McLeod. My question is to Premier McLeod. It was a proud day in Fort Providence. Everyone was there, but, sadly, there were no GNWT senior officials. Can the Premier explain: what was the GNWT's role in establishing the Edehzhie as a protected area? Mahsi.

I just wanted to thank the Minister for his answers, and I don't have any furthers questions. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Infrastructure. I want to thank the Minister for attending a constituency tour on May 8th, when we met people in Kakisa, and then we raised the concerns about the dock in their community and its condition. I was very encouraged by the recent announcement by the Ministers of Transportation and Infrastructure in the NWT, particularly the air transportation. My question is to the Minister of Infrastructure: what kind of plan of action does he intend to undertake to follow up from the meeting of May 8th in terms of addressing...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I, too, will not be supporting this motion. I think colleagues have noted that there is a need for public education. I think it was resounding in our travels in communities that people wanted to know more about cannabis, or marijuana, as a product and, in some respects, its different forms and for its different purposes.

I think what should be known, too, and I think should be strongly stated by the House is that the best approach to dealing with marijuana, or cannabis, is that simple abstinence, trying to live a clean and healthy lifestyle, that means you don't...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to take the opportunity just to briefly outline, in my language, the nature of the significance of this moment here, so if you could bear with me.

[English translation not provided.]

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just explained that the matter that is before us is Bill 6, the legalization of marijuana, and for some time, its use has been underground for a long time for our people. So, you know, the discussion at this point is historical. It's symbolic, and that even for me, I would never have imagined in my lifetime to see the legalization of marijuana.

Sentimental...

I wanted the initiative that's available to communities, the Community Access Program, which has a target of working with docks and wharfs in small communities, and it is application-based. Could the Minister detail out how his officials may work with the community at Kakisa?