Debates of October 13, 2005 (day 9)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources today on the much talked about Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board and how it is functioning. Does the GNWT have a representative and a voice on the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board this time? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we do.

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

Supplementary To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister then who that is. I would like to ask him how we provide input. As the GNWT, we suggest a representative. The federal government appoints them. How are we assured of their effective and full participation and representation on that board on our behalf? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. There are two questions there. You can answer one or both of them, Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we nominate that person. That person currently is Mr. Jack Van Camp from Fort Smith; an individual with eminent credentials and qualifications. The ideal is that the board and its members function effectively, working with the board chair to represent the interests of all northerners. That is what we are striving to do with this board. We are working on some current issues to make sure that we, in fact, maintain that level of effectiveness. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the appointment of a new chair to that board in the person of Mr. Todd Burlingame, is he satisfied that Mr. Van Camp, who he says is eminently capable -- and I totally agree with him on that -- has been kept informed of applications that have been reviewed in unsettled areas, that he has been kept informed with correspondence, attendance at meetings, has been kept in the loop as a participant on the board? Is the Minister satisfied that that has occurred in recent months? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

No, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in fact, I have had significant concerns to the extent that, on August 10th, I did write to the Minister of DIAND to express those concerns very clearly in writing about the need to have a functioning board and a board that engaged fully all the members to represent both the settled and unsettled claims areas. As I indicated, I did write to him very clearly outlining that concern. He responded on September 27th. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister then if he is satisfied that the federal Minister understands the nature of our concern and if this will result in a change in practice or a change in attitude that would ensure Mr. Van Camp’s full participation, and will he keep us, as Members, apprised of what flows as a result of the communication? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 102-15(4): GNWT Participation On Mackenzie Valley Land And Water Board

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Minister Scott clearly said in his letter that he was committed to a fully functioning board where all members, including Mr. Van Camp, are engaged and not put on the sidelines. It is my expectation that he will transmit that sentiment to the board chair and that this issue that has bedevilled us for some time now will no longer be on our agenda and we can all get back with the other pressing issues at hand. I will be tracking this issue very closely with the board member and, if necessary, we will take further action. The Premier, as well as the Cabinet, is aware of the circumstance. It is one that we would like to see rectified so that we can get on with the work that is on the agenda. Thank you.