Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Renewable Resources, I'd like to table, at the appropriate time today, the 1991-92 Environmental Rights Act annual report. The report includes descriptions of all applications, prosecutions, actions and convictions under the act for 1991 and 1992.
In the first two years following implementation of the Environmental Rights Act, the Government of the Northwest Territories has received one request for access to information and two requests for investigations. The Department of Renewable Resources, in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Municipal and Community Affairs, provided a response to the application for access to information on the Yellowknife forward operating location.
The Department of Renewable Resources has completed the investigation into sulphur dioxide and arsenic emissions from Giant Yellowknife Mines. The report of the findings of this investigation was released to the public in July, 1993.
The other request for an investigation was not accepted, as the request was not made in accordance with the requirements of the act.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Renewable Resources, in cooperation with other departments, coordinated the development of procedures for the implementation of the act. The procedures clarify the steps in applying for and administering access to information and/or investigation requests. The procedures are available in all MLA constituency offices and at the Department of Renewable Resources office. Thank you.