Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just wanted to raise one particular concern with regard to the Northern Accord, and I know that Ms. Cournoyea, as a Minister, knows it is an issue with the Gwich'in. The Gwich'in have been concerned about what you might say is no agreement being reached on the Northern Accord issue mainly because it is part of their final land claims agreement. They have asked me, and I believe Mr. Koe, to express some concern that it does have a bearing on the final legislation, and if some resolution can be made with regard to the issues related to benefits, that the Minister should consider that, and look at the various options that might accommodate that final agreement.

Thank you. Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Chairman, we are very aware that this is a major concern to the Gwich'in claim and I intend to raise it again when Mr. Siddon is here tomorrow, before he leaves. I will tell him that there is a matter of some urgency and some commitment on his part and that there was supposed to be a resolution of this some time ago.

Thank you. It is the wish of the committee that we go into detail? Agreed.

Agreed.

Thank you. Total O and M, $4.490 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Details of grants and contributions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. The development impact zones, I see there is $40,000 in the budget. Which zone is receiving money this year, which zones are operational?

Thank you. Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Chairman, I think the Member realizes that Beaufort Delta impact development zone office has been closed down. Presently we are funding the Sahtu D.I.Z. organization.

Thank you. Just before you continue with questions, maybe I should ask if the committee would agree to allow for witnesses to come into committee. Is that agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Ms. Cournoyea. Sergeant-at-Arms could you escort the witnesses, please?

Thank you. Madam Minister, could you introduce the witnesses, please?

Department Of Energy, Mines And Petroleum Resources

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Pierre Alvarez, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and Eugene Kenny, Director of Finance for the department.

Thank you. Mr. Koe.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My colleague, Mr. Nerysoo raised the concern that I wanted to raise and we are all aware of, the fact that the Northern Accord, the provisions for oil and gas development in the Delta was a very key component to the Gwich'in land claim and to the Inuvialuit land claim, and that any progress on the Northern Accord concerns all the residents of those areas.

In terms of the Northern Accord contributions, I see that funds are made available to aboriginal organizations. There is $144,000, who is receiving these contributions? Who are scheduled to receive these contributions?

Thank you. Madam Minister.

Mr. Chairman, the amount of funding is in the budget, but because there has been little or no activity there has been no funds released, or no funds that have been sought from any of the organizations.

Thank you. Mr. Koe.

That brings about this question, are they aware that this money is available?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Chairman, I believe that everyone is aware of the funds that are available. What is required, is that a proposal has to be put in, as to what they are going to use the funds for, because the initial work has been done on the accord and there have not really been any changes. If there is any movement, we are committed to consult with the organizations to let them know that there is some movement, and we need their input and their involvement.

Thank you. Any other comments? Mr. Koe.