As I have told the Member here in the House, we need to work with the federal government, and we need to respect the jurisdiction of both the federal government and the territorial government. We are trying to work with them. The Member has been very clear on some of the challenges that they face with ENR and with Lands, so we are trying to work with this. It is a process, and we need to be respectful of the process. Again, it involves EIA, as well.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Land is the foundation of the Northwest Territories, both figuratively and literally. Our government is responsible for managing 1.15 million square kilometres of it. Setting and enforcing clear rules and regulations for how public land is used is a critical part of ensuring that the Northwest Territories' land and resources are well-managed. Clear, well-communicated rules help the Government of the Northwest Territories make sure that everybody understands what can and cannot be done on public land. They also give the government a fair and consistent basis for taking...

Madam Speaker, it is with great joy and sadness that I learnt of Mark Gerlock's retirement from Enbridge in Fort Simpson. His dedication and service throughout the past years in the Northwest Territories has been greatly appreciated by the residents of the region and myself.

Mark has worked in the North for 43 years with 36 of them with Enbridge. Mark had worked road maintenance and construction for seven years before wanting to better himself and develop his career. He applied for the pipeline position with Interprovincial Pipelines in Fort Simpson in 1984, now known as Enbridge. Mark's...

I would like to thank the Member for that question. Simply put, yes. This was one of the reasons I asked for Department of Lands upon being elected as a Minister. I am happy to advise the House that we have identified a team who will focus on regulatory process. I have committed previously to this to engage Regular Members in the development of the public land regulations so that there will be opportunities for you to review and provide comments on any changes to public land pricing or administrative fees as part of the process. Again, I would like to thank the Member for her hard work in...

In the 18th Assembly, departments were tasked to find revenue or cut costs. The department realized that lease fees had not been addressed over 20 years. They used a cost-of-living index calculation, as well. As well, they were trying to align both territorial and Commissioner's land. Fees for exclusive use of land were increased at the beginning, in April 2018, almost after 20 years for no increases. Lease rent minimums have been set at $840 for all types of leases. Lease rent changes are being implemented through a phased approach. Lease rents will increase at the current rate until a lease...

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

What practices, policies, or rule amendments are required for a Member participating by teleconference or videoconference?

Any Member participating remotely has the same rights and privileges as if they were physically present in the Chamber.

The committee discussed various issues that could affect a remote sitting, including experiences of other legislatures during the pandemic. There are several rules that will need to be revised to allow for remote sittings. Other rules need to be clarified, and some new rules are needed. The committee is also recommending revised...

To ease the financial burden during COVID-19, a regulatory minute was put in place so that no lease fees are being charged for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. I've heard concerns for both increases, and I'm working with the department on a way forward. Reviewing the pricing for exclusive use of public land is a key piece of Public Land Act regulatory work. We will be engaging IGOs, municipalities, committee, and residents have that opportunity, as well.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Due to COVID-19, no lease fees are being charged for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Public land in the NWT is one of our most valuable resources, an asset, and must be priced accordingly. I can confirm that any changes we've considered and analyzed as we undertake the necessary work in developing a new Public Land Act regulation. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosemary Gill retired June 8, 2020, after spending her working life in education, management, and career development, mostly in northern Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and finally the Northwest Territories. Rosemary taught elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education and has worked in management and career development for provincial and territorial as well as First Nations governments.

Rosemary was born in Wrigley to Elizabeth and Albert Horesay. Her father moved the family to Fort Simpson to work for John Goodall when she was a...

Our education system needs to expand capacity to accommodate not only preparing our youth for academic post-secondary education but to make investments to meet the demands of the trades and technology fields. A solid grounding in literacy, numeracy, and technology will serve one well, no matter the path one takes in life.

Rosemary plans to stay close to home during the pandemic, gardening, reading, and working on her house, but once it's safe to travel, she will see some of the places she's only read and is curious about. Thank you, Madam Speaker.