Mr. Speaker, as I understand the Protected Areas Strategy it is to take the initiative with the Federal Government to look at what needs to be done in order to recognize and set aside areas and to require protection in the event that development should start to accelerate in the Northwest Territories. We know that, and the mining companies are aware, although the public, as I understand, even in Yellowknife is not aware that the Federal Government owns about 95% of the land and all the resources in the Northwest Territories and dictates the terms and conditions under which development can occur. For instance, in the proposed Bathurst park, there are mining interests at play there. The Prime Minister just announced that there will be a feasibility study done to look at setting up a Bathurst park. However, it is in proximity to Polaris Mine, and there are some strong mining interests, staking, that have gone into that area. The Federal Government is fully aware of the amount of money and resources that the mining companies have put into exploration in the different areas in the Northwest Territories, and as such is at this time, the strongest advocate for protecting third party interests in any type of negotiations and any type of development of strategies in the Northwest Territories to date. The mining companies can rest assured, as will oil and gas companies, and other third party interests that, when it comes down to protecting the rights and the interests of third parties in the North, the Federal Government goes to great lengths and, in fact, constitution-wise, in claims' negotiations the rights of third parties. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 489-13(3): Participants Developing The Protected Area Strategy
In the Legislative Assembly on October 15th, 1996. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 489-13(3): Participants Developing The Protected Area Strategy
Question 489-13(3): Participants Developing The Protected Area Strategy
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 14th, 1996
Page 1133
See context to find out what was said next.