Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Overview

On April 6, 1994, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment tabled Document 4-12(6), A Legislative Action Paper Proposing New Heritage Legislation for the Northwest Territories. A motion was subsequently passed to refer the action paper to the Standing Committee on Legislation for review.

The action paper outlines the proposed principles on which new heritage legislation will be developed to replace the existing Historical Resources Act and provide more adequate protection for the heritage resources of the Northwest Territories. The action paper proposed a legislative framework that will subject a wider range of significant heritage resources to protection and control while ensuring public participation in the designation and management of these resources. The rights and obligations of property owners and developers will also be included, as will the severe penalties for contraventions of the act.

Current legislation is lacking in many of these important areas and the government feels that time is of the essence if the heritage resources in the Northwest Territories are to be preserved for future generations.

The Review Process

Public hearings on the paper were held on Thursday, December 15, 1994 in Yellowknife. The Minister of Justice introduced the paper on behalf of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and then the committee heard presentations from witnesses. The committee also received written responses from two organizations with extensive interests in the heritage field. After discussing the views and the concerns presented, the committee prepared its report.

Issues And Concerns

A number of issues were identified, based on the comments and concerns expressed by witnesses and committee Members during the public review of the legislative action paper, and are presented in this report. The main issues that form the subject matter of the report include questions of jurisdiction, the ownership and display of heritage resources and the consultation process, particularly with respect to land settlement groups and land claimants.

Overall, the committee felt that the action paper represented a strong beginning toward addressing the need for new heritage legislation, and looks forward to progress on this important initiative. Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation.

Motion To Receive Committee Report 3-12(7) And Move To Committee Of The Whole, Carried

I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Natilikmiot, that the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation on its review of the legislative action paper proposing new heritage legislation for the Northwest Territories be received by the Assembly and moved into committee of the whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.