Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is in response to a question asked by Mr. Antoine, on December 13, 1993.
During question period on December 13, the Member for Nahendeh asked the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs if a tripartite administrative agreement, which is being developed between the Hay River Dene Band, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and the Government of the Northwest Territories, will "be a model for all Indian Affairs lands and future lands set aside through treaties."
As the ministry for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs is coordinating this government's participation in those discussions, I have undertaken to provide this reply, which Minister Todd took as notice.
First, the tripartite administrative agreement discussions with the Hay River Reserve are meant to put in place a process for negotiation of sub-agreements, which would provide the band with some certainty on the delivery of federal and territorial programs and services.
Second, the focus of these talks is on the delivery of federal and territorial programs on the Hay River Reserve, some of which could involve transactions and development of reserve lands and environmental management and protection of reserve lands.
Third, the talks were premised on the principle that all parties are participating without prejudice to their respective positions on comparative levels of service, legal jurisdiction, self-government, land claims negotiations, interpretation of treaty rights and obligations and other related matters.
Fourth, while these discussions may provide for sub-agreements respecting the Hay River Reserve land, the programs and services provided by government will clearly have to respect the band's authority and jurisdiction over reserve land. Moreover, these talks establish that the sub-agreements on land, or any other matter, can be terminated by the band.
Finally, the Hay River band's request that the Government of the Northwest Territories develop a policy on reserves will obviously involve addressing the delivery of GNWT programs and services, as they may relate to existing reserve lands and lands which may be set aside in the future through treaty land entitlement agreements or related measures.
The arrangements made with respect to Hay River Reserve lands would presumably be considered in a Government of the Northwest Territories' policy, if one is developed, but it is premature, at this time, to suggest that these talks and its land management sub-agreements will become the "model" for new reserves. Thank you.