Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to wish Lillian Elias Happy Birthday today. She's our language interpreter. It's her 80th birthday. Quyananni for all your hard work that you do here. I'd also like to recognize MP McLeod and Grand Chief Lafferty who's joining me this afternoon to do a big announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Brad Enge for coming to the Legislative Assembly today to observe our proceedings. And I'd like to say hello to a longtime friend Kelly Ryder who is here as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife Centre. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I'd like to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Kris Udesen, commanding officer of First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group out of here, out of Yellowknife. I want to welcome him to the House and thank him for his service. And I want to welcome former colleagues of ours here in the House, Mr. Speaker. I really miss them. Jackson Lafferty, grand chief, thank you for coming to the House. It's always good to see you. And our former colleague Mike McLeod MP and thank him for all what you guys are doing for the people. And keep up the good work.
And also, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome Sholto Douglas in the House as well, from Fort Smith. Sholto is one of the most knowledgeable dog guys I know and the biggest volunteer for NWT dog sledding where he travels around and helps us in the Delta for timing and being race marshals and stuff like that, for the community, for the communities across the North, you know.
Mr. Speaker, also I really want to welcome to the House one of my closest friends for over 20 years, Mr. Curtis Earhart from Alaska. Curtis came, one of our friends got in a car accident, Mr. Speaker, Brent Beck, and he had nobody to care for his dogs. And Curtis drove 28 hours from Fairbanks, Alaska, on his own dime, to come and help Brent run, train, and for keeping upkeep of his dogs. And Curtis went above and beyond, you know, for that, doing not only training now, then they got on the race circuit. So he went to Minnetonka, Minnesota, and they've been travelling around and doing the southern South Slave dog races. And I just really want to, you know, thank Curtis for what he's done for Brent. And he'd do that for anybody; I know that. And I just want to thank him for what he's done and just let it be known that, you know, it's not going unseen and we thank him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Tu NedheWiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Michael McLeod, our MP from the Northwest Territories. I'd like to say welcome. Also I'd like to welcome Jackson Lafferty, the grand chief of the Tlicho region. Mahsi for being here. Also I want to recognize Brad Enge; I think he's in the back. And also, I'd like to recognize Sholto Douglas, and thank you for being here. And also, I want to say thank you to, again, all the translators out of here as well, including Mary Rose Sundberg, Jonas Lafferty, Tommy Unka, Marg Casaway, and our friends who have a Happy Birthday to them. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu NedheWiilideh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize the Member of Parliament, Mr. Michael McLeod, and welcome him to the House. But this House is my House so he's actually a constituent, Mr. Speaker. And I'd also like to welcome back former colleague, Mr. Jackson Lafferty, who is now the grand chief of the Tlicho Nation. I'd like to congratulate him on that venture and hope him success in many fronts. And I'd also like to recognize Sholto Douglas who is the vicepresident of the NWT Sled Dog Sports. I wasn't sure he was a vicepresident because he always says he's the boss, so I don't know about that then. I'd also like to recognize Curtis Earhart. My colleague recognized him and advised where he was from and that he is racing with Brent Beck Racing Team. And this weekend too, Fort Smith is hosting a sled dog racing weekend to their carnival. They have one of the largest pools around. And we got tendog racing teams and an equal number, if not more, for the sixdog racing, so I wish them well, good luck this weekend in Fort Smith. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I'm happy to see all our illustrious people in the gallery, I want to recognize my page Chelsea Sieban who has been here for a couple weeks now, and I just say that after our time in COVID, when we didn't have the pages, it's really great to have them. And this group particularly seems to be really on top of the water glass filling. So thank you very much for that. And Happy Birthday to Lillian. Take care.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seems like we're at a navy meeting here or something. I'd like to recognize Brad Enge; Michael McLeod, our MP; Mr. Sholto Douglas; and Mr. Jackson Lafferty, grand chief. Welcome. Welcome back home. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize our MP for coming to visit us in this House, and welcome back to Fort Smith any time he wants, because that's where he went to school in the early years. I used to serve him on the line. I also want to welcome Jackson. I congratulate him on his grand chief appointment by all his people. That's a big achievement. And I want to recognize Brad who used to is a former Fort Smith resident. And of course Sholto, for all his volunteer work, not only with the dog mushers but Sholto is a great caterer and does incredible meals for the community at many community events. And I want to thank him for that. Thank you, Sholto.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to recognize our MP Michael McLeod and grand chief Lafferty, two powerful leaders who are strong advocates for the people in the Northwest Territories and I appreciate all the efforts that you do for us. I also want to recognize Brad Enge who is a longtime personal family friend. He's probably I think you're older than I am.
And of course I want to recognize Range Lake page Morgan Miller. These are not only important to have in the Legislative Assembly, I'm hoping that many of these pages will become future leaders and carry on the work that we're doing today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Madam Premier. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize one of the interpreters Mary Jane Cazon, a resident from Fort Simpson. She does a great job, and I thank her for that.
I guess I'm going to jump on the bandwagon here and recognize Michael McLeod, former boss. He was my Minister way back when, so I thank him. I consider him a friend, mentor, and a sounding board in the work that we do for residents of the Northwest Territories. As well to Jackson Lafferty, a friend, mentor, colleague, sounding board, and now he's the grand chief. So welcome to our Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also acknowledge and recognize our Tlicho grand chief, Jackson Lafferty in the audience. I am happy he moved on to be our grand chief, and I am grateful to be part of this 19th Legislative Assembly. So I am grateful he's he is our grand chief. And I would also like to recognize Michael McLeod in the audience and Sholto Douglas who is originally from Behchoko. So I would like to acknowledge and welcome Sholto Douglas as well. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to welcome MP McLeod as well and Tlicho grand chief Jackson Lafferty. And I'd also like to recognize the Sahtu interpreters as well, Sarah Cleary and Theresa Etchinelle. And also the pages from the Sahtu as well, Colby Campbell Modeste and Aidan Widow. Thank you for all your work this week as well too. And also Happy Birthday to Lillian Elias and hello to Sholto Douglas. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I think we actually have a rule that we're not only supposed to acknowledge folks that are in our riding but, and I'm not going to pile it on just this one time I will follow the rules, but I acknowledge there's lots of friends in the House today.
I do want to recognize a page, Jaida Deutschmann. I haven't met Jaida, but I think I know her mom and dad. They're great vegetable growers; they’ve got a greenhouse and so on. And I really appreciate the work that all the pages do for us in this House. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.
Once again, welcome, Mr. Lafferty, grand chief, former Member. And also Michael McLeod. I'd just like to actually you know, colleagues, a lot of times we don't get a chance to thank people until it's too late. But a lot of people don't know, but 12 years ago in August, Michael and also R.C. McLeod encouraged me to run before the 17th Assembly there. And, you know, the jury's still out on that one no, I'm just kidding. But I'd just like to thank him and also Robert McLeod. But that wouldn't have happened without my constituents. But, you know, it meant a lot to have those encouraging words. And, you know, a lot of we might not have the confidence to, you know, take on a role such as this but, you know, with encouraging words and also the support of our constituents, we could do anything. And I'd just like to take the time to thank both of them. Also Jackson, I had a lot of fun in the 17th and 18th Assemblies with him, and also part of the 19th. But I'd just like to wish you all well in your leadership endeavors and keep up the good work.
Also if we've missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the Chamber and I hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It is always nice to see people in the gallery. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the Premier going to listen to the people of the Northwest Territories and get rid of the time change?
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do know that it's with the Department of Justice. I know that the Minister is looking into this. There was a survey done. There was a lot of comments. I think that the Member is right; it's important we listen to the people. I also heard the MLA one MLA say that he doesn't agree with it, so I hear that. I do think that it's an important question, and I do know that the Minister is looking into it right at this point. I have my own personal opinions but I'm here to support the GNWT, and I will support the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Madam Premier. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North. (audio)
Merci, Monsieur le President. I know the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources just got off an interesting phone call with the Alberta environment Minister, and I'm just wondering if he might be able to provide an update to the House on that conversation? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I did take some notes from that meeting so I'm just going to read them here.
Mr. Speaker, we spoke about the importance of sharing water our shared water to the NWT residents and the communities. We talked about some of the concerns that residents in the communities have downstream of the oil sands. We spoke about the importance of honouring the commitment of the Bilateral Water Management Agreement. We also spoke about the critical importance of being notified about development that might affect the ecological integrity of our water share. And we spoke about the importance of transparency, information sharing, and the continued need for robust monitoring that is essential for building public trust. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that, keeping notes and giving us the update. I'm just wondering if he can tell us whether there was any acknowledgement of noncompliance with the transboundary water agreement or an apology? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can advise you that the Alberta Minister recognized that there was a failure to communicate on the issue. There was a lot of finger pointing through this whole process and I can tell you she just found out this February. So she was similar into the same boat as us there. We talked about working together to improve how we implement the transboundary agreement. Again, it's about the wording and that so we've made that commitment to do that. And we've also committed to have a facetoface meeting sometime in April, whether it's the 13th or 18th. We're just working on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. I think it was yesterday maybe it was the day before, I raised the issue of, you know, public engagement on the development of any new tailings discharge regulations, how we've hired consultants, they give us reports, all of that is secret. We don't know what's being said behind closed doors. I know that's a trigger word but I'm just wondering, Mr. Speaker, if this issue of public engagement and the development of these discharge regulations was raised with the Minister in Alberta during the call? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I took the heat from the Members on the other side during their business plan and that, and I did bring it forth to raise the concerns with her about the House that development regulations for the release of oil sand tailings need to be transparent and public, and we need to be engaged moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. I want to thank the Minister for that. I'm just wondering if he can tell us if there's any real concrete outcomes? I understand he's going to meet with the Minister facetoface in April. That's a good thing. But, you know, did he secure a commitment from the Minister in Alberta that there would be public engagement in the development of these tailings discharge regulations? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the first thing is we made the commitment to do the facetoface meeting. That's the important part of it. She has also committed to sharing information on the seepage and spills moving forward. So we'll make sure we have a robust process in getting that information to us. They also agreed that the dispute resolution provision of our bilateral agreement is the right tool to resolve the matter and set a plan to avoid this kind of incident in the future so we're doing dispute mechanism. She has agreed to that. She's looking forward to enhancing the transboundary agreement. She sees some hiccups there that we have addressed and that we're moving forward on that. So she's made a commitment. I'm looking forward to meeting with her in April. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are related to my Member's statement on the recent findings of a tailings pond breech at the Alberta tar sands projects. This may well be a common occurrence until there is no more freshwater to drink, no protection of our wildlife, and our precious marine ecological systems to survive.
Madam Premier, can you apprise this House as to what actions you will take to rectify this situation of nonconformity of the sharing of information by the Alberta government? Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do agree with the Member. In fact, I think all of us probably agree with the Member on that. Water is life. It's important that we make sure that the water that comes into the Northwest Territories is clean. We have a transboundary agreement with the Government of Alberta that they are obligated to notify us. I know that the Minister is actively on this. He has stated earlier, in the questions that were just asked he is in the dispute meeting with the Minister in April. I believe he's already had phone calls, many phone calls. And I do know that they are beginning the dispute resolution process. If that does not go okay then I am prepared, as the Premier, to bring it to the directly to the Premier of Alberta. This is not okay, and this has to be addressed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. And mahsi to the Premier for that information. It has never been okay since the beginning of the tailing ponds. The issue has never been okay there, yet we've been sending a Minister to do the big leader's jobs, to address this issue and I kind of don't like that; she's downplaying it and passing it off to the Ministers.
Mr. Speaker, the position of Premier holds the highest power in this Legislative Assembly and to stand strong on behalf of the residents of the Northwest Territories, as this case may well be, can the Premier extend an invitation to the Alberta Premier to come and meet with the Indigenous leadership of the Northwest Territories to hear their concerns with the tailings ponds and the protection of our waters? Mahsi.
