Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As mentioned in my Member's statement, my question is to the Minister of Lands. On the issue of a lands integrated risk-based strategy and land framework planning, advancing our progress in the Land Administration Regulatory Forum, what action plans have the department developed in preparation for engagement with all stakeholders? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Lands.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government believes that regional land use plans are the primary instrument to define where certain activities can take place in a specific region or area, and the Member opposite will know that that is a commitment of this government, to attempt to advance that in collaboration with our Aboriginal governments and, in some cases, in collaboration with the federal government. We are attempting to advance land use planning. In some areas, there are defined land use plans that are legally binding. There has been progress; progress is slow, and we are still working on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
That leads me to my next question on settled claim areas. Are there joint planning meetings for the settled claim areas? Let us take the Sahtu for example. We have a settlement claim there with changes or proposed changes on the land regime. Are there regional planning workshops coming up in the near future or within the next 12 months?
I know that the government has approved contribution for land use capacity in the last several years: in 2017-2018, it was $375,000; in 2016-2017, $427,000; and in 2015-2016, $459,000. There is a commitment backed up with actual financial contribution to advance regional land claims.
Now, I do know also that the Department of Lands held its third annual Land Use Planning Forum in March 2017 to share information and perspective. We are committing both personnel and finances to this important subject.
Of those resources mentioned and the time frame mentioned, could the Minister elaborate a little bit more on what is being proposed as far as having a land workshop in the Sahtu, dates and times and places?
I am uncertain as to what the next steps will be in the Sahtu region, but I can check into that and get back to the Member opposite.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is more of a comment. I look forward to that information, and if the Minister could agree with providing that before the cancellation of this session. Thank you.
I will take that as a comment. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
