Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Lands. Earlier today I spoke about what appears to be, by all observations, an abandoned barge that is located out on what is known as the point of Rotary Park, located, in fact, in a nature preservation. Both the City of Yellowknife and the Rotary Club have put significant investment into the trail and boardwalk that goes out to this beautiful point. It attracts a lot of tourists and visitors as well as locals. My first question to the Minister is: in circumstances like this, can the Minister clarify for the Assembly what exactly is "ownership?" What defines "ownership" in a circumstance like this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Lands.
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I can advise that the Department of Lands and Justice are well aware of this problem and are attempting to resolve it through the courts. I cannot comment on the case that is currently before the courts and, as the Member opposite alluded to in his question, there are perhaps some unusually complex issues concerning Aboriginal claim. However, I understand that we are also looking at alternative legal steps to have the structure removed, and it is anticipated, and I hope this comes to pass, that the structure and other debris will be removed prior to freeze-up.
I am absolutely pleased to hear that news. I am not sure that I have to continue down any further line of questioning, quite frankly, because I am pleased to hear, as I am sure the residents of Yellowknife and visitors alike will be happy to note, that the Minister is making a commitment, to the best that he can, that this what appears to be abandoned barge will be removed, and removed hopefully before freeze-up.
I just want to thank the Minister for informing this House of that, and I'll be sure to let residents know.
That sounded like another Member's statement. I just want to remind Members that this is oral question period. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.
