Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories intervened in Attorney General of Quebec et al versus the Attorney General of Canada, which is a challenge to a federal law, C92, which provides for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis governments to implement their own child welfare laws. My questions are for the Premier.
What was the legal basis and rationale for the Government of the Northwest Territories intervening in this case before the Supreme Court of Canada?
How does the GNWT justify its intervention in this matter when the public position of the GNWT has been in support of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's child welfare law?
What direct engagement and/or consultations did the GNWT undertake with the IRC, or other Indigenous government, prior to making the decision to intervene in this case before the Supreme Court of Canada?
Both the IRC and federal government have expressed their frustration and disappointment with the GNWT's intervention in this case. What direct steps have been taken to engage with the IRC and Canada on the position taken by the government; and,
How does the GNWT rationalize the position taken in its intervention in this case with its intention to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as law in the Northwest Territories, in particular, with Articles 21 and 22.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
