Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak on the Aboriginal Court Challenges Program that’s in place in this government that we seem to hear very little about. Mr. Speaker, in light of the situation we find ourselves in here in the Northwest Territories in trying to define and challenge who has what rights, I think this fund has been put to use.
Mr. Speaker, the fund provides for an application to apply to receive funds to pay for legal expenses by way of individuals, non-government organizations, in regards to seeking application before the court in regards to the protection and definition of Aboriginal and treaty rights for Aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I for one feel that these dollars have to be allocated to the appropriate organizations so that they can fight for their rights. More importantly, defend themselves in a court of law so that we can clearly identify what those rights really mean, than having just someone stipulate, don’t worry, we’ll take care of your interests, your rights are being protected. At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, the fund provides for an applicant to apply to receive funds to pay for legal expenses. Mr. Speaker, we have learned from history since 1921, whether it’s Treaty 11 or looking at the Norman Wells Pipeline. People have learned from these treaty experiences, which was because of government and non-Aboriginal people wanting to have access to lands and resources in the provinces in northern Canada that they signed these so-called treaties. Yet, Mr. Speaker, as soon as the ink is dry, their commitments and obligations under those treaty applications are being rescinded, or worse, told sorry, that’s not what the intention was or that’s not what that means.
Mr. Speaker, that is definitely the situation we find ourselves in here today with regard to the devolution agreement that’s been presented before this House and signed by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Justice exactly what is the status of this fund, but more importantly, what it is going to take for Aboriginal organizations to access these funds to have their rights adhered to and upheld. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
