Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. To the motion. Member from Range Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too stand up and rise and give support to Bill 15. This is something that is really much needed for our communities. But at the same time, Mr. Speaker, this Bill 15 is on the road to looking at a constitutional reform. And I'm hoping that this bill will rise with the Council of Leaders as well as we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member from the Sahtu. To the motion. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too will be supporting this Bill No. 15 in consultation with the leadership that I represent and the dialogue we've had. I'm happy to support it. Mahsi.

Member from Yellowknife North. To the motion. Member from the Sahtu.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I also support this bill. First and foremost, because I support self-determination of Indigenous governments. And I support Indigenous governments taking the lead on taking care of their own lands and resources. I know that this bill has followed an unusual process, unusual path, but I also recognize that we're still in the process of charting a new path of co-governance with governments, and there needs to be some give and take on all sides, and I hope we will get to a place where we have better procedures where we can all work together comfortably in this process of co-governance. But I'm proud today that we have done something that can provide a vehicle that will allow Indigenous governments to have the resources they need to move forward with taking care of the land. So I wholeheartedly support this and look forward to where this initiative takes us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. To the motion. Member from Yellowknife North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to rise in support of this piece of legislation. Bill 15 represents a very important relationship that this government has with First Nations and Indigenous governments across the territory. This bill will establish trust that will allow around half a billion of dollars of money to flow into the Northwest Territories for a whole bunch of purposes around conservation, Indigenous guardian programs, economic development, and the list does go on; it's quite exhaustive. And I think one other thing that's very remarkable is the speed at which the legislation's moved through which shows the strength of our institution that we are able to move quickly when things need to get done. And I commend the Minister for bringing this forward. I commend the Cabinet for bringing this forward and getting it done so quickly. And we've had very patient guests in the gallery, many dignitaries from Indigenous governments who are very passionate about this legislation, and I'm glad we could work through this today as an Assembly and make it worthwhile for your time you've put into our proceedings today. So thank you, again, to the Minister, to the Cabinet. And I will be supporting this legislation.

Thank you, Member. The motion's in order. To the motion. Member from Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, I move, second by the honourable Member from Hay River North, that Bill 15, Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question has been called. All those in favour? Opposed? Abstentions? Motion passed. The motion is carried. Bill 15 now has been read for a second time and is referred to the standing committee of the Assembly for further consideration.

---Carried

Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Thank you, Minister. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Hay River North, that Bill 15, Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act establishes a non-profit body corporate called the Our Land for the Future Trust. Our Land for the Future Trust will manage the initial $375 million fund and any future contributions in accordance with the Our Land For the Future agreement. The fund will be used to support Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and related economic diversification activities in the Northwest Territories, including the establishment and management of Indigenous protected and conserved areas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.