Debates of March 9, 2005 (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier today. There’s been a recent article in the newspaper indicating that the federal government is close to appointing a new chair for the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board. This was referenced as well in Mr. Zoe’s comments yesterday in the House. My question for the Premier today is when the federal government sets out a policy with respect to federally appointed boards and makes rules around how they select board members and how they select chairs and capable and competent people’s names go forward to the Minister and he doesn’t choose one of those, what ability do we have as a government to play a part in that or to intercede in that? Because certainly the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, as was said by Mr. Zoe, the people who sit on that probably have a bigger influence on what’s going to happen with this mega Mackenzie gas project than even we do as MLAs sitting here as a government. This is a hugely important position at this point in time. What opportunity do we have to participate in the process of the appointment of that chair? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board and the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is to have a vehicle for northerners to have more input into decisions that are going to affect their lives and land. Both of these boards are under federal legislation. The appointment of the chair is a decision that rests with the Minister of DIAND. The appointment of the chair is -- and I don’t believe it’s laid out in the act -- but the convention is that he will appoint from a list that is provided by the committee of each of the boards themselves. So, Mr. Speaker, we expect that’s what he’ll do. Now, what authority or opportunity do we have for input? Mr. Speaker, the only opportunity we have is through persuasion, but we don’t have any legal authority. Through persuasion and advice I suppose we do have some clout. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to make it very clear that I have no issue with the particular individual whose name has shown up on the short list. I’m sure they are a very intelligent person. But the thing is we want people who have a vested interest in how this development is going to impact us for many generations to come here in the North. I think that’s the idea of having a northerner. If the federal government and the federal Minister overrules us, I’m sorry, I take it as a slap in the face. What’s the Premier prepared to do? Is he prepared to speak to the federal Minister to ensure that our voice is registered on this? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I was last in Ottawa I raised this issue with our MP and the Minister responsible for Northern Development and also with Minister Scott. Mr. Roland, the Finance Minister, and I raised this issue with him. He knows our views on it and, Mr. Speaker, I’ve written to him as well on it and intend to follow up with him next week when he is here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the Premier have any knowledge that the appointment of this chairman or chairperson is going to be imminent and perhaps actually take place prior to Mr. Scott’s visit to the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Good question.

---Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Mr. Speaker, I’m hearing through the grapevine that the appointment is imminent. In fact, I’d heard that the security checks were already underway and so on. But I’ve had nothing from the Minister of DIAND’s office formally to tell me that this is going to be happening soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the very important nature of this appointment to northerners, I would like to ask the Premier then, he has previously spoken to the Minister, he intends to speak to the Minister next week, will he take the opportunity to speak to the Minister today? Would he attempt to get his officials to get a hold of him by telephone and register the concerns raised on this matter in the House today? Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 574-15(3): Federal Board Appointment Process

Mr. Speaker, I will ask my staff to try to find out today if they can get any information on it at all. They have been trying to follow this one almost daily, but we will make that effort again. If I can’t, then I assure the Member and this House that I will speak to the Minister on this when he’s here next week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.