Date
June
5
2006
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of June 5, 2006 (day 5)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On Update On The Progress Of The Northern Strategy
Bill Braden
Great Slave
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. About a year and a half ago, all three territorial governments and Canada agreed that the North needs a new deal with Canada. A very interesting process was created, Mr. Speaker, called Developing your Northern Strategy. It was an initiative that was launched by the previous federal government, again at the urging and with the collaboration of all three territorial governments. It canvassed many residents, Mr. Speaker, and solicited government involvement. It was something that I think we all entered into realizing that this was not going to be the golden answer to all our issues, but it marked the turning point, at least for me, Mr. Speaker. It suggested that Canada, after 140 years of paternal, colonialist governance of the northern frontier, was going to do something to help us make sure that our voice was going to be heard as loudly, as clearly and as equally as other Canadians. We have come a long way. With the new government in place, I want to ask, where are we now?
Mr. Speaker, Minister Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the person most responsible for this file, did give us some words of encouragement in Norman Wells a little while ago at the Circle of Northern Leaders. He said, and I quote, "This government recognizes that the North now plays a larger role than ever in Canada’s sovereignty and prosperity. Northerners must help define the North’s role in Canada by participating in decision-making processes that shape key policies." Further, Prime Minister Harper has committed to ensuring that northerners participate in benefits from resource development projects. Great words, Mr. Speaker, but I want to find out some more about this.
With the development of our natural resources by the year 2010, the federal government stands to harvest $1.3 billion in taxes and royalties. Only about $100 million out of $1,300 million is going to come to the NWT. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, we still need progress on our arrangement with the federal government on our future with Canada. I am going to be asking the Premier for an update on this progress later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause