Debates of October 21, 2004 (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in reference to my Member’s statement today, I’d like to direct my question to the Premier in terms of what I said earlier on today. Can the Premier tell us when was the last time he was able to have a discussion with our northern leaders on resource revenue sharing and where do things stand today? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 277-15(3): Northern Leaders Discussion On Resource Revenue Sharing

Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the exact day with me, but about three weeks ago I had a teleconference call with the northern leaders. They were generally in agreement with some of our discussions on interim resource revenue sharing. They were to have a meeting last week, but because of illness of one of the members they felt they were going to postpone that for a while. I expect to have another discussion with them soon. When I go to Ottawa this week I have been asked to meet with some of the key Ministers late on Tuesday afternoon to further some of the discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Supplementary To Question 277-15(3): Northern Leaders Discussion On Resource Revenue Sharing

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell us what he sees as being the next step in these discussions? I think I heard him say that they are going to try to have another future meeting. When is he anticipating that this meeting is going to take place? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 277-15(3): Northern Leaders Discussion On Resource Revenue Sharing

Mr. Speaker, after our telephone conversation, the aboriginal leaders, through the Aboriginal Summit, wanted to get together to discuss this further on their own and had, in fact, invited myself and Minister Roland to a dinner meeting. We thought the one that was postponed might be held as early as this week, but I haven’t heard yet. So the next step is for the aboriginal leaders to sit down by themselves and identify any issues with what we are proposing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.