Debates of March 18, 2004 (day 3)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question goes back to my Member’s statement that I had earlier, and it is for the Premier. Where does the Premier see the establishment of a permanent trust fund for the residents of the Northwest Territories? Where does he see that fitting into his agenda in the next four years? Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In principle, I certainly agree with the notion of setting up a trust fund or a heritage fund or something that ensures that the wealth we have in a particular year or years can benefit future generations. In order to have the ability to contribute to a trust fund, we have to have the dollars to put into it. I hope that within the life of this government that we are there, that we have settled devolution and resource revenue sharing and we are in a position where we can have our NWT trust fund or heritage fund. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is stopping the Premier and this government from communicating to Ottawa that the money they are taking from us should be set aside for us in the future? Thank you.

Mr. Premier.

Further Return To Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT

Mr. Speaker, the negotiations that we have with the federal government are three-way negotiations between ourselves, the Aboriginal Summit and the federal government. The Aboriginal Summit, in late January, advised us that they wanted to hold off any further negotiations until April because they were selecting a new negotiator. So we have not had an opportunity to raise this with our northern partner, governor, that’s on this. As soon as negotiations resume, then I will be asking that we put this on the table for consideration. But it is not something that we can do unilaterally, we have to work with the other partners. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Premier for his response. I know he mentioned it, but I would like to get a commitment from him that he will raise this with our partners and that it will be on the agenda. Thank you.

Mr. Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 28-15(3): Permanent Trust Fund For Residents Of The NWT

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will raise it with the Aboriginal Summit when we have the opportunity to have both sides meet at negotiations. Thank you.