Debates of October 28, 2004 (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today in my Member’s statement I spoke about the economic measures chapter of the Sahtu Land Claim Agreement and how businesses and people in the Sahtu do not feel that this territorial government is living up to its obligations under this chapter. It’s very disappointing for my people to see the government taking 11 years to work on this chapter here. My question is to the Premier. Would the Premier be willing to meet with the Sahtu people to hear about their concerns and disagreement about the economic measures chapter and to work with them to develop an implementation plan? Thank you.

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

Return To Question 325-15(3): Sahtu Economic Measures Chapter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am certainly willing and, in fact, eager to meet with the people in the Sahtu to talk about the implementation plan which was just recently negotiated. I did want to go there a while ago, but the weather prevented it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 325-15(3): Sahtu Economic Measures Chapter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier knows that I also tried to get into that region to meet with the Sahtu people. How soon would the Premier be able to contact the Sahtu officials to set up a date and a meeting with them? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 325-15(3): Sahtu Economic Measures Chapter

Mr. Speaker, my information is that the three parties -- the Sahtu, GNWT and Government of Canada -- are planning on meeting November 16th to 18th in Inuvik and I’m not sure why Inuvik was chosen, but that is where the scheduled meeting is, I believe. I intend to be there, if at all possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 325-15(3): Sahtu Economic Measures Chapter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier assure me that there will be a process set up for coordination amongst the departments that will have a role to play in implementing the economic measures chapter? For example, Aboriginal Affairs, RWED, Education, Culture and Employment, Public Works and Services, and FMBS. Thank you.

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

Further Return To Question 325-15(3): Sahtu Economic Measures Chapter

Yes, Mr. Speaker, it’s our intention to have that sort of arrangement set up. I don’t know the structure of it, but we will do that. Thank you.