Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my youngest grandson, Ezra James Whelly, first time in the Legislative Assembly, with his mother Jaqueline Whelly, and her father-in-law, Sean Whelly, who is a Council Member for the Village of Fort Simpson. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in May and June of 2017, a series of meetings were held to solidify feedback from age groups in Fort Simpson regarding community wellness. Information was gathered, compiled, and a community wellness plan was completed in July 2017 that addressed some of the concerns of the community Members. They were:

bullying and cyber bullying;

not enough activities for youth and families offered;

unresolved grief and trauma associated with residential schools;

not enough mental health services and counsellors available in the community, and information about these...

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge an impressive young person of the Nahendeh region, Jonah Sanguez, a resident of Jean Marie River, who is in her second season of trapping. She was taught by her mother and continues striving to learn more about her family's background and living off the land.

Jonah is one of the five young trappers in the NWT awarded a Trapper Recognition Award from the territorial government. The NWT Trapper Recognition Award recognizes the hard work NWT trappers put into their craft and the contribution they make in the Genuine Mackenzie Valley fur Program.

Jonah...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stand here to speak on the principle of this appropriation bill. I guess my biggest challenge was the big cut of another $250,000 in the multi-sport games. This is now $500,000 cut from multi-sport games and this is having a huge impact on our youth and our residents, especially our future.

When speaking with the Finance Minister, this was my struggle. This was my challenge. This is something I stand up on my principles. However, as we work forward and you got to look at the big picture and look at the number of the issues here. The big issue in my riding...

I find it hard to believe that the First Nations would not object to this, but I guess I'll go on to my next question. Has the government of the GNWT compensated the Yellowknives Dene First Nations for taking these pieces of land and for that happening?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to follow up with questions to the Minister of Lands. Can the Minister explain to this House how the Yellowknives Dene First Nations were consulted in regards to the land at Cassidy Point? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am not looking for the person or persons who made that commitment. I am asking if the Minister is aware that there was a commitment made to the leaseholder, whether it was made in an email or a letter to the leaseholder.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up some questions dating back to May 31 and October 20 of 2016 with the Minister for Lands. There seems to be some confusion around the issue, and I would like to try to clear it up once and for all. With the changes with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the creation of Lands, can the Minister please advise us: does the department has all the files as it pertains to equity leases at Cassidy Point? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for that answer. So on October 20, 2016, the Minister spoke about the importance of the Government of the Northwest Territories honouring its commitments no matter how old they are. It comes with the honour of the Crown. In speaking with a number of residents, we're not too sure what the Minister meant by this. Can the Minister please explain to the House what he meant by this statement? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'm a little bit concerned. This started in 1992, and if I heard the Minister say it correctly, it was 2014 when we consulted with the First Nations, so maybe he'll have to clarify that a little bit later. I guess my concern is, my understanding is that the Yellowknives Dene did not support the sale of this area to lease holders. So how was the government able to move forward with this commitment?