Debates of February 12, 2014 (day 10)
QUESTION 91-17(5): IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVOLUTION AGREEMENT
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Within the next 46 days we will be implementing our Devolution Agreement, if all goes well.
I would like to ask the Premier, once this process has been completed, will this benefit the outstanding land claim groups in their negotiations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Premier, Mr. McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I truly believe that will be the case. I think we’re seeing evidence of that now, working with the Dehcho First Nation where we’ve been able to work together to resolve some very difficult, complex issues around land on a without prejudice basis. I think the incentive for both of us to do it was devolution. I think that by putting rigour to the process with oversight by myself and the grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations, I think we’ve been able to work together and find some very innovative solutions to long-standing problems, and I’m really looking forward to the next few months where we will see if it will stand the test of going through the due process of both the Dehcho First Nations process and our government process.
We are also looking at entering a similar process with the Akaitcho First Nation. In my mind, this has provided a positive impetus going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 8, written questions.
---Interjection
Mr. Hawkins, I didn’t see your hand up.