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. Chair. I understand in terms of some background context, I think how PAS or conservation area networks are related was this concept of Y-to-Y, Yellowstone to Yukon, you know, establishing a network of conservation areas for wildlife habitat. My understanding is that was the founding initiative that drove the development of the PAS initiatives. I understand NGOs had a clear role in terms of ensuring resources and commitment and support were given to communities along with government. I just wanted some clarification whether the parties remain the same, as both levels of...

Yes, just maybe a final question, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to get some clarification. Where in this budget in the Interim Resource Management Assistant Program located? Thank you.

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. Just maybe my final point or question is what's next in terms of the department working along with the communities and the proponent to ensure that, you know, there's a timeliness and at the same time successful stage in terms of ensuring the reality of the wood pellet plant being in operation? Mahsi.