Mr. Speaker, I have two returns. The first is a return to Question O465-12(2), asked by Mr. Koe on April 1. When finalized, the Northern Accord will provide for a transfer of powers and responsibilities over the management of oil and gas. Management of economic benefits will be an integral part of these responsibilities. Benefits are not an outstanding issue in relation to the Northern Accord. Following is a summary of how this issue has been resolved:
The Inuvialuit and TFN have received assurances that the accord will not interfere with their ability to negotiate participation agreements or Inuit impact benefits agreements in accordance with the provisions of their respective claims.
The Hon, Tom Siddon, Minister of Indian Affairs, has made the commitment to transfer, through the Northern Accord, the additional legislative authority to provide for aboriginal subsurface benefits agreements with respect to oil and gas settlement lands. This government has, in turn, committed to including provisions establishing Gwich'in subsurface benefits agreements in the oil and gas legislation that it would introduce. to the Legislative Assembly following the signing of the accord.
The Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has been consulting with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in drafting these provisions, which are to be modelled after the proposal raised by the Gwich'in during their claims negotiations. Further discussions are scheduled for April 14. 1992.
For those areas not subject to claims agreements, this government would not support the issuance of any new oil and gas exploration rights without the endorsement of the affected communities on terms and conditions relating to benefits, or on any other relevant issue.