Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke about an Arctic Leadership Model, and I have questions for the Minister responsible for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. Mr. Speaker, my first question to the Premier is, will the Premier engage in Arctic Council activities advocating for Indigenous peoples' involvement for the Arctic Leadership Model? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Honourable Premier.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories actively participates as part of the Canadian delegation of the Arctic Council and their continued advocacy for a strengthened capacity of the permanent participants. As a government, we will continue to work with Canada on areas of common interest, however there is not a separate or formal role for territorial governments in this forum, however we do have officials that participate and we attend as there is an identified role for our presence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I appreciate that response. My second question is what will define the positive change in the chapter for the Arctic?
I have had the opportunity to discuss with Mary Simon on her work on the Shared Arctic Leadership Model. Ms. Simon is still working on her report and recommendations for Minister Bennett, which I believe will be delivered in December of 2016. We see a great deal of potential in the Arctic, but it requires a broad range of support from Canada, including support for communities and Indigenous organizations.
A key priority to further positive change is to continue to enhance our control over our own destiny as Northerners, including transitioning important legislation like the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act from Canada to the Northwest Territories. I should also point out that the IRC benefitted from the resource revenue sharing component of the devolution agreement. It's our understanding that Arctic Council and Arctic Leadership Models are two separate, and potentially unrelated, activities both led by Canada. As the Member knows, Arctic Council is international, the Arctic leadership model is a domestic process led by Mary Simon for Minister Bennett.
I appreciate the response from the Premier. Mr. Speaker, my final question for the Premier is what are the GNWT's key priorities to address and strengthen the resilience of our communities?
The Government of the Northwest Territories' vision for a sustainable Arctic is one of balance. The Government of the Northwest Territories is focused on advancing social, cultural, environmental and economic priorities of the Northwest Territories. It is this balance of priorities and collaborative approach to working with our Aboriginal government partners as well as Canada that will allow the people and communities of the Northwest Territories to become stronger, healthier and, therefore, more prosperous.
The best way to demonstrate Arctic sovereignty is to have healthy sustainable communities in the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories is focused on encouraging prosperity and self-sufficiency of our people and communities. The role of the territorial government in achieving this is authority over land, water and resources and working in partnership with our Aboriginal government partners and Canada to ensure all communities have access to the same high level of programs and services.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
