Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Norman Yakeleya on May 27, 2004, regarding land access agreements in the Sahtu.

Mr. Yakeleya was enquiring as to what the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is doing to help the Sahtu region communities organize their position on access and benefits agreements with the Mackenzie gas project.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that RWED, in cooperation with the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, has been active in assisting the Sahtu region. For example, the Sahtu leadership meeting Mr. Yakeleya referred to was financially supported by RWED, in partnership with DIAND.

A regional petroleum advisor position was established in the Sahtu region during the fall of 2003 to provide a resource person to coordinate regional activities and act as a liaison with the Mackenzie Valley pipeline office. The regional petroleum advisor provides information to support community capacity, liaises with the regional boards and industry, identifies issues and community needs related to the pipeline, and helps access additional resources from within and outside RWED.

RWED's regional petroleum advisor has attended and facilitated regional and community meetings. RWED also made a commitment to continue to make available regional and headquarters staff to meet with communities who apply for assistance to help wherever our mandate allows.

With respect to the preparations and capacity assistance required for a regional approach to access and benefit agreements, RWED's Mackenzie Valley pipeline office, the federal government and the Mackenzie Delta Producers Group are developing a resource pre-development program. This program will provide some level of financial resources for the Sahtu region to prepare for and participate in negotiations with the producers group. It is anticipated that applications for this program will be based upon a regional approach that is inclusive of all of the aboriginal organizations in the region.

The federal government's pipeline readiness office will administer the program. Program guidelines are currently being finalized. Once these guidelines are finalized, I will provide copies to all members of the Joint Cabinet/Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight Pipeline Planning Committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.