Debates of March 9, 2005 (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. I’d like to ask the Minister why are my constituents having difficulty obtaining land leases for Commissioner’s land and Crown land in the Tlicho communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Mr. Speaker, I was not aware that there was a problem in the Dogrib region regarding land leases. We are, however, having some discussions with the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council along with the Government of Canada and Municipal and Community Affairs and Aboriginal Affairs to discuss and lay out a plan for the transition of land, land administration and how to deal with the elections and a number of other issues. We have an effective date of August 4th to work toward. However, I was not aware that there was a problem. There was an issue that was brought forward from the Member. I believe that was an issue regarding federal land. If there is an issue regarding land and leases, I would certainly like to know about it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Supplementary To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If that’s the case, as the Minister indicated that they are working on a transitional plan in regard to land issues, then my constituents shouldn’t be having any problems obtaining Crown land leases in the Tlicho communities or even land reserved for Indians for housing, which is Crown land. So even the Indian Affairs department that deals with land leases should be continuing to use the same process as we have before. Is that the case that the Minister is indicating to me? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

That’s right, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there should be no glitch in the system. We are expecting a smooth transition. We would have to talk to the federal government though to see what their position is during this transition period. There may be some reluctance to transfer land over as we are now in this situation where there is a land claim and a self-government settlement. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Supplementary To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if I could ask the Minister if he could kindly intervene with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in their lands section to make sure that my constituent’s land lease can go through, although they may be in a transitional phase. The reason I am saying that, Mr. Speaker, is that we’re in critical need of housing in our communities and there are a number of clients that require these leases not only for obtaining housing from the Housing Corporation, but there are some other clients that need their land leases to obtain funding from the banks to do additions to their houses, et cetera, for other programs. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the Member for bringing this to our attention and we will commit to having a meeting with the federal government and all the players, all the stakeholders involved on this issue. We certainly don’t want to see a blockage of properties moving forward. There is a need for housing development, as the Member has stated. So we will work towards ensuring that this is as smooth a transition as possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Supplementary To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I ask the Minister how soon can I have word back from his office pertaining to this issue? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 580-15(3): Land Leases On Tlicho Lands

Mr. Speaker, we can deal with the specific issue if there is a particular person that needs attention. If that name could be brought to our attention, we can probably deal with that fairly quickly. The larger, broader issue of transition and how we’re going to see that process develop and unfold is something we’re working on. We have some meetings planned for this month and there are a number of issues that we have to develop, but we will place priority on ensuring the land transition is done in a smooth and effective manner and people can still access properties. Thank you.