Debates of February 1, 2006 (day 20)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Minister of ITI, the Honourable Brendan Bell, with regard to the ongoing discussions with the Sahtu Secretariat. We settled our land claim in 1993 and there is a chapter in our agreement on economic measure with regard to government services and programs and contracts. There are provisions in there to look at exploring that chapter more diligently. I want to ask him for an update on that specific chapter and the Sahtu Secretariat. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 316-15(4): Sahtu Memorandum Of Understanding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think Members know by policy decision of this government, we engaged with the Gwich’in to sit down and talk about an MOU that would see the GTC represent companies in the Gwich’in settlement region and there would be targets for procurement in that region. At the same time, we made the commitment some years ago in the past government to do likewise in the Sahtu region. We have now sat down to start these discussions with SSI, who will be the umbrella group representing the MOU. We have provided them with a contribution to sit down and do some policy development work and also identify beneficiary companies. So we are into this now and have started those discussions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 316-15(4): Sahtu Memorandum Of Understanding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the discussions and the MOU would be honoured as long as the agreement is still in force with the federal government and the territorial government in terms of MOUs, as long as this agreement should last within our lifetime? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 316-15(4): Sahtu Memorandum Of Understanding

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a government we’ve made the policy decision to pursue an agreement in the Sahtu region. I have spoken in this House about our commitment to conclude an agreement. You have the Premier’s word that we would pursue an agreement. We are doing so and we will stick to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.