Mr. Speaker, the decision was actually not made by our government. We were prepared to sign an agreement with Canada; however, because of the concerns of the Aboriginal governments the agreement was not signed.

In December of 2016, there was a joint letter that was sent to the environmental agreement signatories and parties to inform them that the GNWT and INAC recommended that Canada remain a signatory to these agreements but with limited responsibilities.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we have heard the Member, and we have heard his concern. I have read his pamphlet, and it's not something that we are contemplating at this particular time. Maybe there will be opportunities in the future, but, as of right now, no, we are not contemplating that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, after devolution, the Government of the Northwest Territories assumed the responsibilities of the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, or INAC, as outlined in the environment agreements for the territory's three diamonds. However, the environmental agreements have not been formally amended to reflect this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and, Mr. Chair, the Member is correct. For the income tax, that is what would have to happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will work with my colleague at ITI and see what plans they have for the future. Again, I take the Member’s point and, yes, as we go forward, we may still have mines that we can tax. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I do not think a determination or decision has been made on what department this might fall under within the GNWT. I suppose we would have that broader discussion when it actually does happen. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Sure. We appreciate the Member’s advice, and the Member is correct. I do agree with him that sometimes one of the criticisms of this government is we don’t tell the public a lot of the good stuff that we do. I think that needs to change. We will provide the information that Members have requested and provide it to committee. We will improve our communication of this as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, Mr. Chair, I would be happy to appear before committee and give them a briefing. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'll just say yes, it does, with committee's support.

---Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, Mr. Chair, I can understand the Member’s question because it does leave itself open for question when you use the word "other." I think we made a commitment in the past that we’re staying away from the word "other" and we were going to break it up and have that money specifically allocated to be different. I will make that commitment that we will remove the word "other."