Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. It is difficult for me to know what the producers believe, but my sense is that the producers are looking for a framework or a box that access and benefits can be negotiated in. They believe that there are certain things that make up access and benefits, an amount of money, essentially a rent for use of the land. That is the realm they would like to see this in. However, they acknowledge that there are all of these other socioeconomic impacts in communities that need to be adequately dealt with, but they believe they are the responsibility of government. I believe that is also the case. So they do have a responsibility, environmentally and to the people of the North, to make sure that we benefit from this project, but it is impossible for us as governments to simply close our eyes to some of the impacts in communities and try to put it all off on the project and the project proponents. That is why we have gone to the federal government to say you've got to step up to the plate with the funding. These services and programs that need to be delivered are ones that are in our mandate and the mandate of aboriginal governments. We are prepared to do that, given that we have the money. I think the producers group see it exactly that same way, but I don't think they are looking to shirk their responsibilities in any way. I think they want to do a good project that is well received. They know they need grassroots support for this. I believe they are approaching that earnestly and with best intentions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Brendan Bell on Question 20-15(4): Socioeconomic Impacts Of Pipeline Development
In the Legislative Assembly on May 26th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 20-15(4): Socioeconomic Impacts Of Pipeline Development
Question 20-15(4): Socioeconomic Impacts Of Pipeline Development
Item 7: Oral Questions
May 25th, 2005
Page 41
See context to find out what was said next.