Norman Yakeleya

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened with interest to the Minister of Human Resources, Glen Abernethy, when he talked about the soon-to-be launched Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training Program aimed at enhancing and promoting the Aboriginal culture of understanding. I want to ask the Minister, in light of what I said in my Member’s statement about Deline hosting a huge hand games tournament, with something like that, is the Minister looking at some type of cultural training program where we can fully immerse in the training and culture and understanding of Aboriginal people at their best. Is...

The Minister pinpointed an issue with me that I would certainly like to have some access to once it’s vetted through the proper channels. That’s the study of the potential impacts of the Canol Trail in our region. I’d like to have a look at that along with other leaders in the Sahtu and Members from this side. Would he be able to have something ready for us in a timely manner once the Executive Council takes a look at it and comes over to our side with it?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I’d like to also recognize the National Energy Board team, specifically Mr. Brian Chambers – I’ve also done some work with him – and also Chairman Caron.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Shale oil resources promised to secure our energy future and has the potential to change the North forever as the Northwest Territories grapples with the applications for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracking required to tap in to these resources.

We have to weigh the pros and the cons of this technology. The basic drilling and fracturing process has a long history in the oil and gas industry. Experienced drillers and engineers can’t predict a well’s requirements and impacts. Technology is constantly improving. Industry has demonstrated an improvement in using...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to also thank the government for their –

---Applause

Well, you know, when there were things that we talked about in September, the government certainly has listened. I have witnessed this over a period of time that some of the responses to the Sahtu region, because of the oil and gas activity, that we need help in the region. The government has responded in the budget. I have listened to some of our committee meetings and there are some things you win and some things you don’t win. That’s part of the process here.

For the people who elected us in this consensus...

Thank you. I want to ask the Minister how often he meets with federal or industry representatives to discuss the needs of the development in the Sahtu region.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. I understand that ITI and ENR are working on guidelines for hydraulic fracturing. What will these guidelines include?

The Government of the Northwest Territories has been called upon to develop a policy on hydraulic fracking that recognizes the pros and cons of this technology. We must move forward on this important work to guide responsible decision-making in the future. The people of the Northwest Territories and the people of the Sahtu deserve nothing less. Thank you.

[Microphone turned off.]