Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following up on my Member's statement here. Despite the challenges resource developers face today, it is important to understand that the non-renewable resources are the NWT's natural long-term strengths. My question today is for the Minister of Lands: how is this government, through the land-use planning process, working to conclude withdrawal of lands referred to as 41 in the Naats'ihch'oh Park area east-west of Tulita? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Lands.
The Sahtu Land Use Planning Board is the authority for amendments of Zone 41, and I can advise that there is an application to make an amendment now that the final boundary for the Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve is established. So Lands is coordinating a cohesive NWT position to take to the board. Thank you.
I'm glad the department is on that, but looking back, the recommendations by the draft was dated June 2016. The correspondence I received was this past Friday recommending the conclusion of this Lands 41 within the park area. My second question is: will the Minister give us a time frame when this issue can be concluded?
I know the amendment application was filed on January 9, 2017; of course, the Sahtu Land Use Planning Board is independent of the Department of Lands so I can't really give a date as to when they will conclude their examination of this matter.
Will the Minister look into it and get back to me, please? If so, when?
Yes, I will look into it, and I think I can provide the Member opposite with some additional information. Of course, I can't directly affect the timing or the decision of the board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also, would the Minister, in his review, check into the amendment being referred to with the new amendment as a special management zone? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am uncertain as to the exact details of the amendment or the type of amendment that was filed on January 9, 2017. I, however, will look into it and attempt to provide such information to the Member opposite that I am able to.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
