Shane Thompson

The Department of Lands, and Environment and Natural Resources prepared security estimates to cover environmental liabilities for new projects as well as existing operations. The process to review and amend securities is directed by the regional land and water boards, which have the legislative responsibility to set the securities amount in water licences and land use permits. If there is change to the project or authorization, a new security review process is initiated by the regulatory boards. Making sure that the right balance between protecting the environment and allowing for investment...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is the time of year for celebration. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to honour the passing of Lindsay James St. Ledger Waugh. He was the first-born son of James St. Ledger Waugh and Ella May Taylor. He was born in Palmerston, South New Zealand, on October 7, 1946. He was followed by six siblings and spent most of his time in Waiati, a village outside of Dunedin.

His stories of childhood and adolescence involve working hard, taking the steam train to school, working on cars and motorcycles, smoking and drinking beer, and having the best time with his...

Lands has not been in any discussion presently. There may be some conversations at a regional level. Right now, we haven't seen anything at headquarters.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT has met several times to discuss with the city initiative, including two meetings with the city to date. Work has been focusing on ensuring clarity on what Lands initiative will include, ensure clarity on the process to carry out the initiative, and identification of milestones accomplished throughout the initiative and who is responsible for each. The department is focused on ensuring the initiative is carried out in a timely manner that ensures the transfer is done right. A meeting with the city is scheduled for next week to continue working with this...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. James Gerard Fradsham left behind an incredible legacy of family, humour, compassion, and friendship across the NWT. I had the pleasure of knowing him as Gerard.

Gerard was born on July 25, 1955, in St. John's, Newfoundland. It was there he grew up with 10 brothers and sisters. He would often tell stories of Signal Hill and the Battery. He always wanted to go back to visit, but life seemed to get in the way. There were times that you would find him in his family home on Google Maps, showing everybody who would look where he used to live.

In the 1970s, his family uprooted...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following three documents, pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Water Act, a document entitled "Inuvialuit Water Board 2018-2019 Annual Report," "Inuvialuit Water Board Financial Statements, March 31, 2019," and pursuant to Section 28 of the Service Rights Board Act, a document entitled "Northwest Territories Surface Rights Board 2018-2019 Annual Report." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Under the Mackenzie Bison Management Plan, the community can harvest up to 1 percent of the population for cultural, ceremonial, and safety concerns through a permit issued by ENR. ENR has received a request from the First Nations and the Metis Council for a permit to harvest four and two bison, respectively. We are working with Indigenous governments right now to see how we can help them.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, it is an honour for me to stand in the House and speak about the passing of a well-known man from the community of Fort Liard.

Harold Paul Bertrand was born on October 11, 1968, in Fort Liard, to his parents, Francois and Pauline Bertrand. Harold was the third youngest of the family. He passed away on September 24, 2019, with his loving family around him.

Harold was known as a DJ back in his young days. He would get the old community hall just rocking with his music selection. It was funny watching him play music, then get himself on the dance floor, and, before...

I haven't been briefed on that depth of it right yet, but I am willing to work with the Member. We will set up a briefing with him with the department so he can get that information moving forward, the same as if committee wishes to have further information.

I think Minister Simpson talked about it: it is trying to work together. We are willing to do as many technical briefings as we can to engage the other side and the public to make sure we are informed and we make wise decisions. I will make that offer to the Member to set up a meeting.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mackenzie Bison Management Plan was finalized in 2018 to provide guidance on the management of the herd. The plan was developed collaboratively by the Mackenzie Bison Working Group, which included representatives from GNWT, Indigenous governments, and other key stakeholders.

In regards to community of Fort Providence, I have similar issues in Fort Liard and Nahanni Butte. Bison are known to come into the communities of Fort Providence and cause conflict in the community along the highway. ENR works collaboratively with the communities to respond to bison in a number of...