Debates of February 18, 2016 (day 1)

February
18
2016
Session
18th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
1
Speaker
Jackson Lafferty
Word PDF
Members Present
Hon. Glen Abernethy, Mr. Beaulieu, Mr. Blake, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Ms. Green, Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Hon. Bob McLeod, Hon. Robert McLeod, Mr. McNeely, Hon. Alfred Moses, Mr. Nadli, Mr. Nakimayak, Mr. O’Reilly, Hon. Wally Schumann, Hon. Louis Sebert, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Vanthuyne
Assembly Members
Topics
Member’s Statement on Arctic Inspiration Prize
Member’s Statement on Building Confidence and a Stronger Economy
Member’s Statement on Condolences to the Families of Recently Deceased Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh Elders
Member’s Statement on Economic Contributions of the Sahtu Region
Member’s Statement on Hay River Economic Reality
Member’s Statement on Homelessness and The Housing First Program
Member’s Statement on Modular Housing Units in Tsiigehtchic
Member’s Statement on Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament
Member’s Statement on Tribute to Nellie Cournoyea
Member’s Statement on Update from the Deh Cho Constituency
Member’s Statement on Wiiliideh Language and Culture Courses
Motion 1-18(2): Appointment of Deputy Speaker
Motion 1-18(2): Appointment of Deputy Speaker, Carried
Motion 2-18(2): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of Committee of the Whole
Motion 2-18(2): Appointment of Deputy Chairpersons of Committee of the Whole, Carried
Motion 3-18(2): Rules Amendments for the Standing Committees of the House
Motion 3-18(2): Rules Amendments for the Standing Committees of the House, Carried
Motion 4-18(2): Appointments to the Striking Committee
Motion 4-18(2): Appointments to the Striking Committee, Carried
Motion 5-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment
Motion 5-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment, Carried
Motion 6-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Government Operations
Motion 6-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Government Operations, Carried
Motion 7-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures
Motion 7-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, Carried
Motion 8-18(2): Appointment to the Standing Committee on Social Development, Carried
Motion 8-18(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Social Development
Motion 9-18(2): Referral of TableD document 1-18(2): The Proposed Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019 to Committee of the Whole
Question 1-18(2): GNWT Fiscal Strategy
Question 2-18(2): Homelessness and the Housing First Program
Question 3-18(2): Selection of Arctic Winter Games Mission Staff
Question 4-18(2): Modular Housing Units in Tsiigehtchic
Question 5-18(2): Addressing Homelessness in the Nunakput Constituency
Question 6-18(2): Road Access to Slave Geological Province
Question 7-18(2): Canol Trail Clean-up and Development
Question 8-18(2): Consultation on the Extension of Mackenzie Valley Gas Project Certificate
Question 9-18(2): Encouraging Mineral Exploration and Mining Developments
Tabled Document 1-18(2): Proposed Mandate OF the Government of the Northwest Territories
Tabled Document 4-18(2): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2015-2016
Tabled Document 6-18(2): Correspondence from Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to National Energy Board Regarding Mackenzie Gas Project Extension of Sunset Clause
Statements

Question 8-18(2): Consultation on the Extension of Mackenzie Valley Gas Project Certificate

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT filed a letter of support earlier this week on February 15, 2016 with the National Energy Board and the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations for a seven-year extension to the certificate for a Mackenzie gas pipeline. Can the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment confirm that there was no consultation with Regular Members on the GNWT position? Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

 Masi, Member for Frame Lake. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can confirm that the Mackenzie Valley Natural Gas Project has been a priority for not only the 16th Legislative Assembly, but the 17th Legislative Assembly. With regards to the Mackenzie Gas Project Request for Extension to Sunset Clause, we do have a protocol for priorities that transcend from one Legislative Assembly to another, and we followed that protocol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I do not wish to debate the merits of whether the certificate should be extended or not. The issue is how and when Cabinet will consult with Regular Members before major decisions are made. Can the Minister explain to this House how and when the Executive intends to consult Regular Members on matters before decisions are made?

We have a process convention that has been agreed to on how we work and interact with the standing committees, and we would be very pleased to review and update it with the standing committees. 

Now that the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has intervened to support the extension of the Mackenzie Valley Natural Gas Project certificate with the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations, how does the Minister see himself carrying out his regulatory role so as to avoid an apprehension of bias?

I will avoid that by having another minister assume the responsibilities as the oil and gas regulator. It has been assumed by Minister Louis Sebert.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

 Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Frame Lake.

That’s a piece of good news. I find out about it in the House, but thank you. Will the Minister commit to a public review of the structure and reporting relationships of the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations so as to avoid a conflict of interest between GNWT roles as intervener and regulator?

I have always said that with devolution, we will devolve and evolve, and we will do exactly that. 

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.