Debates of October 22, 2004 (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again to bring attention to comments I made during my Member's statement which was about Canada’s involvement in the missile defence program with the United States.

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Premier of this Assembly, and as I passionately referred to him yesterday as our shepherd of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, would the Premier be able to confirm or say otherwise if the GNWT has a policy or a position in regard to Canada’s involvement in the missile defence program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, no, we don’t have a policy on the federal government's programs. Those would be issues outside of our government and not things we would have policies on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been well said many times that the population of the Northwest Territories does not anchor Canada; however, it is a significant population, I would like to say. I think that the fact that the missiles, if we ever reach that stage, would all be going over our heads and who knows where the fallout may happen one day, I think it’s critical that we do take a position. Why do we not have a position? Why do we not send an open letter from this government to our Prime Minister on our position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Two questions there; you can answer one, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, I think the main methods to the Prime Minister and to the federal government that we have taken forward is that we want to be consulted on programs that the federal government has that impact on our territory or on our population. So that message has been consistent.

Mr. Speaker, I’m not, at this point -- without consultation, without knowing more about the missile defence systems and so on -- prepared to take a position and relay that to the Prime Minister. I will, though, and I have been saying to him that we want to be at the table to discuss the northern strategy which he has referred to, which in my mind includes missile defence among many other policies and programs that affect us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Premier, for what you were saying there. Mr. Speaker, if the Premier could further elaborate just for my clarity that he will endeavour to take forward a position to get out there and research what is happening and bring forward a comprehensive briefing note to all Members about the consultation process, about us getting involved on this and possibly, maybe even someday passing a motion in this House for either our support or non-support in this regard. Would the Premier make that commitment to this House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, as this particular issue on missile defence becomes clearer in terms of what is being proposed and how it may impact us, then certainly we would be ready and willing to brief this House. In the meantime, I want to focus on ensuring that we are at the table when the federal government moves forward on the proposed northern strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve sometimes been known as one to bite the hand that feeds me. In this regard I think it’s important that our Premier takes a strong position, at least echoes our concerns with our federal government and says will they provide us a clear position of Canada’s position on that regard. Will he commit to bringing that position paper to the Assembly for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 288-15(3): Involvement In Canada/USA Missile Defence Program

Mr. Speaker, yes, I’ve already made that request to the Prime Minister in earlier discussions. I am meeting with him on Sunday, and that will be reinforced. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.