Wally Schumann
Statements in Debates
Mr. Speaker, as stewards of the land, we have a responsibility to make prudent decisions about how we use, share, and protect it in a way that reflects the values and priorities of our residents. This includes the air we breathe. Historically, air emissions and air quality management in the Northwest Territories have been unregulated. The Government of the Northwest Territories is now proceeding to occupy this regulatory field. We have made a commitment in the government’s mandate to advance the territorial vision of land and resource management in accordance with the Land Use and...
Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled “2015 Northwest Territories Environmental Audit.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member stated he’s asked us in the last session, and at that particular time I believe I answered him that during the reconstruction phase of certain sections of the highway that some of the signage was down from the previous construction season and we’d be reinstalling it. I would have to follow up with the department and see where that section of highway is at on that. As far as the rest of the section of highway, we have routine maintenance and inspections of the highway and if the Member has any particular areas of concern I would gladly look into it for him...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said, there’s four test sections on this highway; most of it’s related to degradation of permafrost. Also, as the Minister responsible for Climate Change this is a serious problem that we’re going to be facing and we are facing right across the Northwest Territories. It’s a challenge. As any government moving forward, us as the 18th Assembly, 19th, and 20th Assembly, are going to be facing if climate change isn’t brought under control, so it’s something that the Assembly as a whole is going to have to work towards. It’s going to cost a lot of money for...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department has a 25-year transportation strategy, which we are continually reviewing. We review all the north and south sections of the Northwest Territories. We do these on an annual basis, and we have a long-term plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in the mandate to respond to recommendations in the Northwest Territories’ Environmental Audit for improved environmental management. The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act requires an environmental audit to be completed at least every five years by an independent auditor. The audit reflects obligations in the Sahtu, Gwich’in and Tlicho agreements and is a key tool for environmental management in the territory. Its recommendations will help guide governments, Aboriginal organizations and other decision-makers...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize the Princess Alexandra School grade six students here today. I’m going to read off half the list and then my fellow colleague across the floor will do the other half. Brenda Beck, Evan Harris, Abbigail King, Hailey Pike, Rochelle Smith, Mason Walters, Hope Buckley, Hannah Longstaff, Daniel Minoza, Jon Tatti, Kyle McDermott, Judson Pokiak, Reil Low, Lizzie Rymer, Tahner Hamilton, Jenna Demarcke, Ian Aylward, Stephanie Patterson is the chaperone, Mark Harris, Penny Pokiak, and Roy Walters. Welcome to the House.
Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member of Yellowknife South, that Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll just take it as a comment, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have already had ongoing consultation and extensive discussions with Ecology North on the use of this road and with the city about the uses of it. Anyone that wants to come talk to us about their concerns about this section of highway, we would gladly sit down and discuss that with them as well. Thank you, Mr. Chair.