Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement I spoke about the importance of transparency and consulting with residents about the important issue of fracking. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister advise what research the department is doing to learn more about the potential impacts of fracking, in other words, have we or are we conducting any reviews or studies to consider the risks of hydraulic fracturing in the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government has been conducting research in the 16th and 17th Assemblies and working very closely with the standing committee on economic development. They went and did several site visits where fracking was happening and I think we have gained a much better understanding. Responsible resource development, including oil and gas development, could be a major component of the Northwest Territories economy. We have substantial resources and reserves and it could be essential to creating a prosperous sustainable future for our residents. There is no oil and gas development or exploration going on at this time. We expect that it will be at least ten years perhaps when there would be any exploration. We certainly have the time to get it right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for his reply. As I noted in my Member's statement today, although the oil and gas exploration seems to have subsided, it is certainly the time to engage in the public consultation in my view and I think in the view of my colleagues. Second question, Mr. Speaker, for the Minister: is the Minister or has the Minister been willing to seek advice from industry experts, stakeholders, NGOs, and other knowledgeable officials from other jurisdictions with experience in regulation of fracking?
In response to priorities laid out by the 18th Legislative Assembly the Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to advancing a review of the Petroleum Resources Act and the Oil and Gas Operations Act and the regulations associated with it. We recognize that people want more time to think about how our resources are best managed and developed. This engagement also ties in with the work we are doing to develop a Northwest Territories Oil and Gas Strategy which will not only help us to unlock the petroleum potential of the Northwest Territories but to do so in a way that is environmentally responsible and benefits our communities. Through our work to develop a NWT Oil and Gas Strategy, we have been guided by engagement with communities, territorial stakeholders, leaders, subject matter experts, Aboriginal groups, industry, and the public.
I appreciate the Minister's reply again, but I am wondering again could the Minister explain how the department is planning to develop and encourage public input into hydraulic fracturing in the NWT? Some more specifics would be appreciated, and in particular I'd like to ask how the department plans to bring industry into this public debate?
Between April and June 2015 the departments of ITI, Environment and Natural Resources, and Lands conducted 14 public engagement sessions in 12 communities throughout the territory hearing input from residents, businesses and industry about the proposed regulations. Residents are also able to submit comments by mail and email. What we heard is there's a lot of education required on this matter and we will certainly engage industry and also as we go out and conduct a review of our Oil and Gas Operations Act and Petroleum Resources Act and develop our Oil and Gas Strategy.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final question to the Minister: will the Minister after this engagement commit to developing a public report that includes the recommendations, advice, and opinions shared by experts, other jurisdictions, and the public? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In the 17th Assembly the standing committee on economic development after touring several fracking regions did release a report with quite a number or recommendations. We expect that what we would do is through the review of the Oil and Gas Operations Act and the Petroleum Resources Act we would deal with the issues and we expect the public to raise their concerns with regards to hydraulic fracking.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
