Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding the Department of Public Works in regard to aboriginal organizations, the BIP process or contracts, there seems to be a real question about which organization represents who. The Denendeh Development Corporation has membership of about 14,000, the Gwich'in Development Corporation of almost 2,500 people and then the Inuvialuit Development Corporation who represent constituents that are claims beneficiaries. Why is it there seems to be such a problem within Public Works to associate with who has authority over who or who has to represent everybody as a whole? In regard to Lahm Ridge Tower, you look at the context of two individuals, but in regard to interests of aboriginal organizations where they represent, in the case of the Denendeh Development Corporation, which is made up of all the bands in the Northwest Territories, of almost 14,000 people, why is there such a discrepancy in regard to who represents who, yet when it comes to Lahm Ridge Tower, we are talking about two individuals? Why is it we talk about affirmative action in this government and we talk about what is happening regarding different aboriginal claims where there are certain sections of the agreements that have to be fulfilled to ensure the aboriginal people get the most economic opportunities available in those areas. Especially when it comes to claims in the Inuit Act, Section 35. Why is it this department seems to have such a problem verifying the aboriginal groups have to prove who they are, yet it is not that case with individuals?
David Krutko on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 16th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 16th, 1998
Page 842
See context to find out what was said next.