Debates of May 11, 2007 (day 5)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Inuvialuit, the Gwich’in, the people in the Sahtu and the NWT Metis Nation have signed on to the AIP on devolution and resource revenue sharing. I would like to ask the Premier, there are some remaining groups that still we would like to see signed on. Is there still an opportunity for them to sign on and be part of this AIP? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there is an opportunity for the others to sign on. In fact, we have offered to do briefings with them on it if they like. Again, it is their choice. We are not forcing them, but we feel that it is important that we all work together as northerners here to look after our rights. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier mentioned that he would offer briefings to some of the other groups. I would like to ask the Premier. Have any of the groups taken him up on his offer yet? Is there any indication that they may be willing to sign on to the AIP quite soon? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Akaitcho have said they would like to have a briefing. They contacted us and a date has been set. I don’t know exactly when it is, but our people will be going out to meet with them. I don’t believe we have an acceptance yet from the Tlicho and the Dehcho, but we are certainly hoping to brief them and not bring them under any pressure but simply let them know what is in it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my understanding, this AIP is going to be forwarded on to Ottawa. Has it been forwarded on to Ottawa yet? When can we expect a response back from Ottawa? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I spoke with Minister Prentice the day before yesterday on it. It has been forwarded to him. His response was that he would want to have a look at it before making any commitment and further action. Mr. Speaker, it is my intention that we will meet with Minister Prentice as a group, those who have signed on and those who have signed on between now and whenever the meeting is, and determine a course of action from here towards working of a final agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that. I also would like to ask the Premier if we have a federal election and there happens to be a new government, does this fall off the table or would it still be dealt with by Ottawa? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Handley.

Further Return To Question 64-15(6): Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing Agreement-In-Principle

Mr. Speaker, to be clear, the agreement-in-principle that we have now is only signed by the GNWT and the four aboriginal organizations we mentioned. The federal government has not signed anything yet with us in terms of the AIP, so we need them to come to the table.

Mr. Speaker, I can’t speak for future governments, but I expect, as has been the case for the last 20 or 30 years, every federal government has said that it supports devolution and resource revenue sharing. So we would certainly want to pressure the next government, whoever it may be, to continue and in fact work more aggressively on resolving this thing once and for all now that we have reached the AIP stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.