Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the recent news on the expanded oil sands projects in McMurray, one would assume that ENR is getting or receiving the day-to-day reports from that jurisdiction. When could this be shared with the general public of the NWT; more specifically, the aboriginal governments? Mr. Speaker, news may not have reached some communities where the Dene language is an asset. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, we are more than willing to share any information that we have regarding the oil sands. I'm not sure if the Member is asking us to provide that to the communities, but that information that we have we'd certainly be willing to share. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I was asking for the information to be shared with the communities. Mr. Speaker, the next question I'd like to ask the Minister is, the Minister has indicated that it's federal jurisdiction, but at the same time we have our own jurisdiction here in the Northwest Territories; more specifically, the aboriginal land claims agreement, which were also signed by the federal government. So, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister have these aboriginal governments been consulted or been involved with meetings with the project? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, aboriginal water rights that are acknowledged in the comprehensive agreements are, of course, a subject of discussion in the bilateral negotiations and agreements. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my next question will be when can we see these consultations in the communities, because all those projects that are happening down south also connects to the North into the communities through the watershed. So it's important that there's constant communication with the communities. When can that happen, since the news is out already? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the issue of water quality and water quantity, some of the discussions have already started to take place. The Dehcho has had a gathering called the Dehcho Keepers of the Water Gathering, and there's been a Tlicho gathering also. Mr. Speaker, the management of water in the Northwest Territories is still with the federal government. We continue to work with the Department of INAC and the Department of Environment, and we certainly will have our discussions with them. We are more than willing to share the information we have and keep the Members up to date as negotiations proceed. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not sure if that's something I could give a clear answer as whether they're appropriate for today. Things have changed a lot in the last while. The previous generations did not have to deal with the same impacts for our water systems as we do today. Climate change, exploration, the oil boom in Alberta and the exploration that's happening in the Northwest Territories is certainly having an impact. We are continually trying to improve our positioning through agreements with other jurisdictions and we have, so far, been able to sign one with the Yukon and we have signed a framework with Alberta. We continue to talk with B.C. and Saskatchewan, and the provinces themselves have started coming forward and putting their own plans for water management, as Alberta has announced already. We have to continue to make sure the plans are adequate, and as part of that we will review legislation that we have in place to ensure that that continues to be so. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister has indicated, there are a couple of agreements in place: one with the Yukon and most recently this framework agreement. These things are not achieved quickly; I know that. I think perhaps these are the only two that the Mackenzie Basin Management Board has achieved in its 10 years. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to see if the Minister could advise, is the framework agreement that's been negotiated with Alberta, is that public and, Mr. Speaker, in what ways does it give the NWT authority or sanction or influence at the decision-making table? Does it truly strengthen our role in decision-making about water resources, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would have to seek further information to confirm whether this document is a public document or not. I would image it is. This document is a document...The MOU is to outline the process, outline the schedule and the

principles and the information that's required to negotiate with Alberta a bilateral water management agreement, Mr. Speaker. I certainly will commit to finding out whether this information can be presented to committee and we'll follow up on that.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister has advised that, as is the case with so many of the really essential things here in the Northwest Territories, the authority and the control for our water resources rests with DIAND. Just what kind of protocols or framework agreements do we have with DIAND to make sure that they are truly representing our interests, and what assurances do we have that they are actually carrying our voice forward at these transboundary negotiations and, in fact, being the responsible stewards for these water resources that we expect them to be and that they are obliged to be by law, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The governments of Canada, Alberta, Northwest Territories have certainly recognized that we have to work together, especially in this situation where the Government of Canada is still the water manager for our jurisdiction. So they will be a signatory to this and will be part of the discussions and negotiations. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.