Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on the Premier’s statement.
Cabinet’s vote against a proposal to keep decision-making in the regions was curious, and people are wondering why would they vote against the wishes of their own people.
As details emerge about the devolution of lands and waters to the NWT, people are noticing a disturbing undercurrent. In the process of transferring authority to the NWT, decision-making is being quietly moved from open public processes into the murky world of the GNWT bureaucracy and top secret Cabinet room. There is so much happening that it’s hard to see at first, but some examples are starting to emerge from the haze.
First, the authority to regulate oil and gas. Currently, this is done by the National Energy Board. They hold public hearings and anyone can participate and express their opinion. As of April 1st, this authority will transfer to the GNWT Cabinet.
Second, participation by departments in environmental reviews. Currently, each federal department, like Fisheries, Environment or Natural Resources, can intervene separately in environmental reviews. Their opinions are all considered by the board. As of April 1st, much of the federal capacity will be transferred to GNWT departments like ENR, ITI and Lands, but all GNWT departments will be required to submit their opinions to the Department of Lands that will consider them and create a single unified GNWT position to be approved or not by Cabinet.
Third, authority to provide direction to NWT boards. The changes to the MVRMA in Bill C-15 take power and independence away from land and water boards and place it in the hands of the federal Minister. As of April 1st, some of that control will then be delegated back to GNWT Ministers. Once again, a power shift from open, public process to secret, behind closed doors of the GNWT Cabinet.
Some may say that our government is public and accountable through this House and through elections, but nobody will deny that decisions made in Cabinet and in this House are political. Just like we don’t let Cabinet decide court cases, there are very good reasons to keep oil and gas, land use planning and land and water permits out of the political realm and under the control of impartial boards.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Cabinet is giving us the impression that we are creating a mirror-image system through our mirroring legislation. But these not-so-subtle changes are starting to look like a Cabinet power grab.
I will have questions. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
