Mr. Speaker, it was the federal government that made it a condition, as part of the tentative approval for the BHP proposal, to go ahead so that the protected areas strategy may be developed between the federal government and this government by the year 1998. It is my view that the federal government feels comfortable to allow this government to take the lead in developing this strategy. They are comfortable with allowing us, as northern people, northern stakeholders, aboriginal organizations, to go ahead and draft a protected areas strategy for the consideration of this government and the federal government, and have the analysis to accept. It is my view that, should we fall short in what they think a protected areas strategy should be, they would not hesitate to enhance and go beyond what we recommend. It is my belief that we have to go to the furthest extent possible in drafting a protected area strategy, and I believe the federal government is acting in good faith. They do want to enhance their international image, they do want to show the people of Canada that in the Northwest Territories, which is one-third the land mass of Canada, there will be a protected area strategy in place in two years time, and that they prepared to move decisively for it. Since they are still the owners of the land, they are still the managers, and they are still the ones that hold the legislative power to implement a protected areas strategy. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 121-13(4): Protected Area Strategy Conference
In the Legislative Assembly on January 24th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 121-13(4): Protected Area Strategy Conference
Question 121-13(4): Protected Area Strategy Conference
Item 6: Oral Questions
January 23rd, 1997
Page 200
See context to find out what was said next.