Michael Nadli

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to get an understanding in terms of the government’s work, especially this department, with groups that haven’t settled a land claim in terms of what kind of resources the government is providing in terms of assistance. I wanted to see if I can get some clarification in terms of Wildlife Management Boards. Is that strictly for land claim groups or does that include non-claim groups? Thank you.

How does the Department of Environment and Natural Resources plan to support the processes here? You know, it’s moved from an initial concept of Protective Area Strategy, it’s kind of moving to this new conservation network initiative there. How would the department plan to support this process?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. “Collaborate with First Nations government” seems to be the mantra that this Cabinet has put forward, and there’s also a need for jobs, so of course obviously a need to work with industries as well. Can the Minister explain how our concerns over the wood pellet mill and the woodland caribou population within the K’aagee Tu protected area are being addressed? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This will likely be my last question. There’s several strategies that are developed, including the conservation network initiatives, there’s the Boreal initiative. How integral will the Land Use and Sustainability Framework play in terms of ensuring that there’s consistencies with plans across the NWT? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to understand. Earlier I did mention the term Protected Area Strategy initiative and where it fits within the government at this point. I understand it’s been changed into conservation network initiative, so if I can get some explanation in terms of whether they’ve changed gears in terms of how the approach will be taken in terms of engaging and collaborating with communities.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wonder if the deputy minister can provide an example in terms of how engagement is flowing in terms of non-claiming groups and if maybe he could draw an example perhaps of an instance where some work has been done with non-claiming groups. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are the two protected area linked to the Deh Cho land use plan and the overall land use plan for the Northwest Territories? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Negotiations can take time; however, I believe the department and this government could consider mechanisms including fast tracking negotiations or putting interim measures in place. What is required to move candidate area from its current evaluation stage to the next step in the process? Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]

The Protected Areas Strategy is a northern conservation tool. It was introduced to help communities identify highly valued areas and preserve them for lasting appreciation and enjoyment. Establishing a protected area under the Protected Areas Strategy involves a sevenstep process. It starts with the identification of an area and obtaining widespread support for its protection and eventual designation as a protected area with the full support for partners involved. These parties generally include First Nations, governments, and NGOs. Mr...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's sometimes almost like a puzzle in terms of ensuring the immediate needs and critical needs of people are met. That's the obligation of this government that we have in terms of taking over responsibility from the federal government and ensuring that communities and families do receive houses. In terms of working with First Nations, you know… Some aspire to ensure that homeownership is a critical need, and that's their focus, but sometimes public housing, you know, people would rent their houses for a long time and not really perhaps aspire to own their own homes...