Robert C. McLeod

We’re very early in the process, and our exemptions could be one approach. We’ll also be looking at rebates or tax credits as approaches to mitigate the impact of cost of living, but we are early in the process. I do realize we had a briefing committee, but I would like to, once we do a bit more of the work. I would like to come forward and have an opportunity to meet with committee, give them some of our early findings, and get some feedback from committee as we continue to move forward. At our earliest opportunity, we will make the offer to committee to have a sit-down with them and have a...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I can understand and I take the Member’s point of his concern for the elimination of this position. However, the department is content enough that the water resource person that’s in the region has the ability to do the same function. In Fort Smith, the position was vacant and the person has been eliminated. The North Slave position was also eliminated. The department is very confident that we have the capacity within our existing people in the regions to perform the same function. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Right now, the correct number is 26, from 30 to 26; and as Ms. Craig said, once we do the work and functional review, then we may come back again, but for the purpose of this exercise, the number is 26. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, the Member is correct, Mr. Chair. It is. Thank you.

Thank you. We have been having discussions with the federal government. We have agreed to work together to better understand the impact of their proposed carbon pricing in the Northwest Territories and, in our meetings we had down there, they understand the unique situation of the North and how it is going to have a wider affect up here than, I think, they expected. So we’re continuing to have those discussions and I will update committee as those progressions progress. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we do have another position in the community that can provide the same functions as the one that has been eliminated. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I don't think the reductions are driving this budget. The department feels that they have produced a fiveyear action plan entitled "Healthy Land, Healthy People, Government of the Northwest Territories Priorities for Advancement of Conservation Network Planning." Our position is that we feel we have the necessary capacity within our existing department or existing people to complete the work. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Member is quoting off page 74.

The Inuvialuit Water Board was asked for input on the GNWT interest development of negotiation position and intention document for both the AlbertaNWT and the BCNWT agreements as well as the development of a negotiation position for agreement with Saskatchewan and for updating our existing agreement with the Yukon. We have had specific meetings with all of the NWT regulatory boards to solicit input as we move forward with some of these transboundary water agreements.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'll make that commitment to provide the Member with the amount of money that's in there. As far as the federal government, I can't make that commitment. We really don't know what's in the federal government fund. Thank you.