Debates of October 21, 2004 (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the honourable Minister of Resources Wildlife and Economic Development. The machine has begun in terms of the proponents filing their documents to build the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline project. I would like to ask the Minister where is the department at in terms of our role in developing our socioeconomic development agreement. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our department has now sat down with the Producers Group to start this discussion around the SEA. We received the filing, the EIS is underway. Our joint AOC and Cabinet committee will continue to provide that direction. At the upcoming meeting, which will happen this session, we’ll have further discussion on SEA planning and what our strategies are. There are a number of highlighted areas, themes, that we have to discuss and I look forward to that work, but we are now underway in meeting with the Producers Group. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Mr. Speaker. That’s very important that we do sit with them. As well, I believe it’s very important that we sit with our public and our constituents as they want a say and they want to be heard as our socioeconomic development agreement progresses. Does the Minister have plans to provide community consultations with regard to a GNWT socioeconomic development agreement?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right and certainly we can’t do this work in a vacuum. We need to both consider the interdepartmental issues, many departments, not just RWED involved in this work to make sure that people benefit and to make sure we’re ready. As we develop the socioeconomic agreement, obviously we’ve got to involve all the regional aboriginal groups and the public right across the Territories. So as the Member knows, our committee will do some work in the regions and have some discussions. I think it’s important that we get out there and hear what people think. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me if the GNWT did gain our intervener status when it comes to deliberation in the public hearings or the federal government in the deliberations of the joint review panel? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will, as a government, make interventions on behalf of the public of the Northwest Territories at the environmental review process for areas under our mandate, obviously wildlife and other areas. So, yes, we will be interveners in the process. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Your final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just looking for assurance from the Minister that our role as interveners is not going to be merely a rubber-stamper, but we’ll have some meaningful input into the hearings and demand some of the things that our people are saying that they definitely want benefits and just not roll over. Will the Minister direct his department to play more of a participatory role in the joint review panel hearings? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 276-15(3): Status Of GNWT’s Socioeconomic Agreement

Thank you. I think I understand the Member; play a role, but don’t roll over. I think the Member makes a very good point. When it comes to the interests of the people of the Northwest Territories if not us, then who would represent those? I think the Member is quite right. It is up to this government to make sure that the interests of the Northwest Territories are met through this project. I think we can do that. We take our role as interveners very seriously. I can give the Member that assurance. Thank you.