Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As all Members know, the community of Deline has for years been concerned about the waters of Great Bear Lake. It has worked hard to ensure that the development proceeds in a way that does not do undue harm to the environment, the cultural integrity of the lake and its watershed. The community has been a leader in the field of sustainable development and engaged fully in the negotiations which resulted in the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and the land use planning process which resulted in the Sahtu Land Use Plan. It led the development of the Great Bear Lake Watershed Management Plan and recently successfully concluded the Deline Final Self-Government Agreement. Deline has been supportive and part of a Devolution Agreement which has been another incident of self-government.
In recognition of Deline’s leadership, a nomination for international recognition in sustainable development has been submitted to the United Nations education council and cultural organization Man and the Biosphere Program. This designation, if approved by UNESCO, would be the first such designation north of 60 anywhere. It would firmly endorse the use of northern tools and ensuring responsible economic development proceeds in the context of sound environmental stewardship. It will place a spotlight on Deline and the Northwest Territories as a place where sustainable development is actively practiced and led by Northerners. The designation is entirely consistent with the principles embedded in the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, the Sustainable Development Policy and in our regulatory system. In effect, the Premier’s Award of Excellence at an international scale.
The designation would fully endorse the northern tools promoted by the Government of the Northwest Territories, including the land claims, the Sahtu Land Use Plan and the Great Bear Lake Watershed Management Plan. It celebrates the success of those tools and confirms the importance on an international scale.
My question to the government: Is this government supporting Deline’s nomination?
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
