Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development has reviewed the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs annual budget. The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is one of three separate and distinct programs operated within the Department of Executive. The ministry coordinates the government's participation in lands, resources and self-government negotiations and coordinating the implementation of final agreements on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development met on January 23, 2002, with Minister Antoine and his staff to review the ministry's 2002-2003 draft main estimates.
The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs projected a $2,148,000 increase in its operation expenditures. This increase is due in part to the $1,000,000 funding for National Aboriginal Day celebrations and the Living History Project. The remaining $1,148,000 increase is due to the transfer of the Intergovernmental Forum from the Department of the Executive to the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.
Implementation of Settled Land Claim Agreements
Mr. Chairman, the committee is concerned about the implementation process for settled land claims in the Northwest Territories. The committee is concerned that GNWT departments may or may not be properly adhering to the responsibilities and guidelines established by the settled land claim agreements. The committee is also concerned that there does not appear to be a watchdog element for the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to ensure that other departments follow the guidelines.
The Minister stated that if they become aware of a problem that they will address it with the other department. The committee would like to see the ministry with a clear responsibility in this area.
The committee feels that there is a need for a government-wide policy and a consistent interpretation of that policy across all government departments -- very important, Mr. Chairman.
The committee also pointed out that there were a number of areas, including wildlife and forestry management, where the GNWT has an obligation to pass legislation in order to fully implement settled land claim agreements in the Northwest Territories.
The committee suggested that there be a point of contact for communities and organizations seeking assistance with specific land claims agreements and implementation plans. The department agreed that was an excellent suggestion and promised to look into it, and we are thankful for that.