Mr. Speaker, I guess if the northern accord does not proceed, I would say that some of the regional claimant groups will insist from the federal government that additional benefits have to be attached to future claims. This was a way of taking care of an area that the federal government felt they could not deal away at the time. It is important to claimant groups, especially in the areas where something is going on. The importance is if there was an economic opportunity out of oil and gas in the Gwich'in area, it would be important for them that the accord be dealt with. However, there are other avenues that possibly the claimant group can use with the oil and gas industry if an activity was to take place. It takes a great deal of extra effort because the rules are not clear and defined on who should be dealt with, the nearest community or the group that wants to reap the benefits from the resource development. I would assume that if the accord does not proceed, we would just have to deal with it in the way we are dealing with some of the other activities, trying to access more benefits to local people. Thank you.
Nellie Cournoyea on Question 671-12(3): Northern Accord Tied To Dene Land Claims
In the Legislative Assembly on April 1st, 1993. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 671-12(3): Northern Accord Tied To Dene Land Claims
Question 671-12(3): Northern Accord Tied To Dene Land Claims
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 31st, 1993
Page 1364
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
See context to find out what was said next.