Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As we all know it has been a number of long years since discussions have taken place within the Deh Cho First Nations, struggling over the decision whether to let the territorial government have a seat at the table. This year, they decided to take that leap of faith and allow the territorial government to have a seat at the table along with the federal government.
I am very concerned, having done that and declared the Deh Cho a moratorium on development until land claims are concluded or at least until a land use process is developed and designed, that this would be honoured. It is being honoured by the federal government but is not being honoured by the territorial government. They are issuing permits against the wishes of the communities. Very little consultation has taken place, if any.
I think by doing this that they may be jeopardizing the whole process. I hear the Minister state there is consultation between the departments within the government. I would like to ask the Minister whether or not they have relayed the message to the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development regarding the moratorium?
The other point I would like to make is that I am in agreement that there is a need for dedicated staff, especially when it comes to the Deh Cho region. I think it needs more than that. I think it needs the political element added to it.
The Minister stated himself that the territorial government is viewed as dragging their heels when it comes to land claims discussions. Every region that is in negotiations right now will agree to that.
My second question is how does he plan to rectify that situation?