Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently, Canada has terminated the protection of the ecologically sensitive Edhezhie/Horn Plateau area. Those lands had protection from development since 2002 under an interim agreement between Canada, the Dehcho First Nations and other partners. That agreement is a critical step in the Dehcho First Nations’ negotiations towards resolving the Dehcho land claim.
The Dehcho lands have been blessed by great national resources and the Dehcho First Nations would like to see them preserved as long as the grass grows and the water runs. They work long and hard on the Dehcho Land Use Plan which includes the protection of the Edhezhie area. As a concession to the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, they were aware that the Edhezhie area would be reduced in size and that also the remaining area would be established as a national wildlife area to give permanent protection from mining and exploration. The Dehcho First Nations learned last Friday that INAC has decided to terminate the interim protection of the subsurface rights in the Edhezhie and grant only a one-year extension, opening the sensitive cultural and environmental area to mineral exploration and development. The Dehcho First Nations were never consulted on this matter. This issue is so important to the Dehcho, they are willing to risk ceasing further negotiations by launching a court case with Canada. They feel backed into a corner. The Dehcho First Nations have always been solid in their resolve to honour the directives of the elders and their people. They want to protect their traditional lands and waters for the well-being of future generations.
As an MLA from the Deh Cho, I have to question where is our government on this important issue. How is the government going to defend the rights and interests of my constituents, Mr. Speaker? Why has this government not spoken up and demanded answers from the federal government?
We are talking about an AIP and devolution, which means we are grown up enough to decide for ourselves. Here is a good opportunity for us to show how independent we are. It is time this government stood up, spoke up and defended the people of the Deh Cho. All stakeholders in the NWT are befuddled by Ottawa’s decision, so this is a win-win situation where our government has nothing to lose by backing the Dehcho First Nations on the issue of Edhezhie.
I urge the Premier and our Cabinet demand that Canada alter the Order-in-Council to include...
Mr. Menicoche. Your time for your Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my fiery statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, all stakeholders in the NWT are befuddled by Ottawa’s decision, so this is a win-win situation wherein our government has nothing to lose by backing the Dehcho First Nations on the issue of Edhezhie.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Premier and our Cabinet demand that Canada alter the Order-in-Council to include subsurface protection in the proposed Edhezhie protected area. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
