Mr. Speaker, I realize that this issue has been ongoing for many years without result, but now that this concern of the lack of proper consultation by this government over the land that the Akaitcho First Nations have shown interest in, near the city of Yellowknife, the issue is all of a sudden a major concern because the city says it is.
Where was this high level of concern when the local First Nations were telling this government and the federal government the exact same story about the lack of proper consultation on traditional land use permits, building permits and exploration permits being issued almost daily for the last 25 years?
To me, Mr. Speaker, this is a good example of why First Nations seem to get frustrated with this government. It
seems that when the tables suddenly turn in their favour and the issues become very complicated and seemingly cumbersome for this government to work in a timely manner, many processes are reviewed, reassessed and reconsidered over and over again which often results in nothing being concluded or resolved, as the issue is of the squatters which is still ongoing now for the last 15 years.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to see some action soon by this government in working with the Akaitcho Territory Government to finding an amicable solution, process or plan that will allow certain individuals, organizations or industries to use the traditional lands under certain conditions that the First Nations deem as fair and sensible, based on their traditional values and culture. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause