Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord

In the Legislative Assembly on March 4th, 1994. See this topic in context.

Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum resources. It is a follow-up to a question asked by Mr. Dent. It has been a number of years now since our government reached an agreement in principle for an oil and gas accord with the former Prime Minister of Canada. In this House, the present Prime Minister has committed to devolving government programs to the north at a pace that we decide. It is obvious that the prospects for major oil and gas development aren't very good in the immediate future so this is probably a very good time to negotiate an accord.

My question to the Minister is, is the Minister committed to overcoming the hurdles that have prevented us from finalizing the accord and to finalize an oil and gas agreement with Ottawa in this year?

Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'm committed to finding a way around some of the obstacles that were in place that unfortunately resulted in failure to reach an oil and gas accord in July 1992. The framework for the accord is there and it is my understanding that there were about two or three obstacles in place. I've instructed the department to move quickly to find the appropriate compromise with respect to these two or three obstacles. Given that we can get around those, and we have the political support of people in the Northwest Territories, I'm told that there is enthusiasm at the federal level and there's certainly enthusiasm at this level to reach an oil and gas mineral accord. Thank you.

Return To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne.

Supplementary To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

Michael Ballantyne Yellowknife North

I'm very happy to hear that response because I think everybody here must recognize that, like other opportunities, if we don't grab them when they're available we could lose them forever. Just again for the public record, I will ask the Minister if he is prepared to make the necessary adjustments to get around the obstacles that have prevented us from finalizing this accord in the past.

Supplementary To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

March 3rd, 1994

Page 544

John Todd Keewatin Central

I'm confident that the previous obstacles that were in place can be worked out. There may be new obstacles down the road, I don't know. But the previous obstacles that unfortunately resulted in the lack of the signing of an oil and gas accord in July 1992 can be worked out and we can move forward aggressively to get an agreement in principle with respect to oil and gas and minerals.

The framework for oil and gas is no different than it is for minerals, in a sense, and we want to move quickly to get it done. I want to assure the honourable Member that we're going to take care of the three or four elements that unfortunately resulted in the lack of signing. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Question 276-12(5): Minister's Commitment To Finalize Oil And Gas Accord
Item 5: Oral Questions

Page 544

The Deputy Speaker Brian Lewis

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.