Please be seated. Good afternoon, colleagues, and welcome back as we resume the Fourth Session of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

I know that you have met together in committees earlier this month, but as this is the first time in 2010 that we have come together in this Chamber, I trust it is not too late to extend my personal best wishes to you and to your families and, indeed, to all the residents of the Northwest Territories for a happy and healthy New Year.

On a much sadder note, I wish to extend the sincere sympathies of this House to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Although it seems like a great distance exists between Haiti and the NWT, watching the devastation that has occurred draws us all together. We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti as they attempt to carry on in the face of this disaster.

I also know that some of us have lost friends and loved ones since we were last in this Chamber, and I want to pass on my sincere condolences to the families and communities affected and to let them know that my thoughts and prayers are with them.

I know you are eager to turn your attention to the work at hand, colleagues, and I will close with my customary request. I ask that we work together, as always, in the best interests of the people of the Northwest Territories and that we work with dignity and respect for the institution, for each other and for our constituents.

It is now my duty to advise this House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads:

Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, the passage of:

•

Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2010-2011;

•

Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2009-2010;

•

Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 3, 2009-2010; and

•

Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2010-2011

during the Fourth Session of the 16tth Legislative Assembly.

Yours truly, Anthony, W.J. Whitford, Commissioner.

Thank you, colleagues.

Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger. .

Mr. Speaker, for the last four years Environment and Natural Resources has been working with wildlife co-management boards, aboriginal governments and organizations, communities and user groups, to share information on declining barren-ground caribou herds and develop and implement conservation measures. These have been very difficult decisions but there has been a willingness to work together so that this valuable resource can be sustained for future generations.

As Members are aware, the GNWT, through the NWT Act, has a responsibility to manage game in the NWT. In implementing conservation actions, our government recognizes and respects aboriginal harvesting rights as set out in land claim agreements and treaties and as protected by the Canadian Constitution. The emergency measures implemented January 1st are intended to ensure the

long-term survival of caribou herds so that these rights can indeed be exercised by current and future generations.

I would like to inform Members what has been accomplished by working together and what

remains to be done to conserve caribou in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, caribou numbers cycle over time and both traditional and scientific knowledge have documented these changes. Many factors influence these cycles but there are only a few factors that humans can control. Mr. Speaker, I must stress when caribou numbers are low, the level of harvest will influence the rate of recovery.

In 2005 and 2006 surveys to obtain new estimates of the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West, Bluenose-East and Bathurst caribou herds indicated these herds were all in serious decline.

After the 2005 surveys the Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and Sahtu wildlife co-management boards recommended that all resident and outfitted hunting for barren-ground caribou from the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West and Bluenose-East cease in their regions. These regulation changes were made in 2006.

After the 2006 surveys the Inuvialuit Wildlife Management Advisory Council (NWT) recommended that all hunting of the Cape Bathurst herd cease. For the Bluenose-West herd, the Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and Sahtu wildlife co-management boards recommended that a total allowable harvest be established at 4 percent of the 2006 herd estimate. This meant a total of 720 tags. The boards had previously developed a formula based on historic harvest to allocate any quota among the three regions. These were implemented in 2007 and 2009.

The good news in 2009 was when new estimates of the Cape Bathurst and Bluenose-West herds were obtained, this data showed that management actions, in combination with good calf survival, had stopped the herds from declining further.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the other herds in the Northwest Territories.

In 2006 the Bluenose-East herd numbered around 66,000 and the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board recommended that hunters should work towards a voluntary total allowable harvest of 4 percent. In 2009 weather prevented completion of a survey to update Bluenose East herd’s estimates; however, there are no indications to suggest this herd has increased.

The Ahiak herd, which is shared with Nunavut and Saskatchewan, has also declined. For the past four years surveys to delineate the calving area have been undertaken and a trend analysis shows a 60 percent decline over the four years.

Unfortunately, weather this past year did not allow for a full survey of the Porcupine herd. Despite this, the GNWT continues to work with the parties to the Porcupine Caribou Management Agreement on the

development of a long-term harvest management plan.

In 1994 survey results indicated that the Beverly herd was estimated at 276,000. Systemic reconnaissance surveys of the Beverly calving grounds in 2007, 2008 and 2009 indicate that the Beverly herd has all but disappeared. Limited collar information suggests that some of the last Beverly cows have shifted to the range of the much larger Ahiak herd.

However, our gravest and most immediate concern today is for the Bathurst herd, which ranges between Great Slave Lake and Bathurst Inlet. The 2009 survey showed a drastic decline to 32,000 caribou from over 100,000 in 2006. In the 1980s this herd numbered well over 400,000 animals. Small steps were taken in 2007 to reduce both the resident and outfitted harvest. Resident tags were reduced from five to two and only males could be hunted. The number of outfitter tags was reduced from 1,500 to 750. The department had submitted a proposal for management actions through the Wekeezhii Renewable Resources Board to keep harvests below 4 percent of the herd estimate. However, significant public controversy prevented further action.

To address these concerns, a peer review of territorial caribou studies was undertaken by the Alberta Research Council. The peer review recommended some improvements, but, overall, outlined that survey methods were sound and that the data indicating declines were occurring was solid.

In accordance with the Tlicho Agreement, the department and the Tlicho Government submitted a joint proposal for management actions to the Wekeezhii Renewable Resources Board in November 2009. These actions related to the three caribou herds that spend part of their winters in the Wekeezhii. Agreement was reached on actions related to resident and outfitted harvests, but there was not agreement on actions related to aboriginal harvests in Wekeezhii.

The department then set up meetings to consult on the joint proposal with communities and user groups in November and December. It was anticipated that recommendations from the board might be received late in 2009, in time to address the winter hunt, which is when the majority of caribou are taken. In early December it became apparent that recommendations would not be received until April 2010 and so the department began to consider the need for interim emergency measures. In mid-December the department met with aboriginal organizations in the North Slave region to discuss the interim emergency measures and how to address hardships that might result. On January 1, 2010, the interim emergency measures changes were implemented. These were focused

on creating a no-hunting zone where the Bathurst herd was wintering, and eliminating resident and outfitted harvests throughout the North and South Slave regions to reduce the pressure on the neighbouring Bluenose-East and Ahiak herds. Radio and print ads were placed in mid-December to inform people. Aerial and land patrols were undertaken.

The Tlicho Government has been supportive of these interim measures and the Tlicho communities are accessing financial assistance to undertake community hunts and reconnaissance flights. This has been a very difficult but necessary decision by the Tlicho Government.

The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has also recognized the caribou need help. They were the first to take a leadership role when they cancelled their fall caribou hunt. The department continues to meet with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to address their concerns related to the interim measures.

It is important to note that no rights are absolute. All treaty and aboriginal rights are subject to government measures to ensure conservation. Where conservation measures actions may affect aboriginal harvesting rights, ENR is working directly with the aboriginal governments and organizations to develop solutions that will protect, preserve and ensure the survival of caribou for future generations. It is our responsibility as a government to protect the vulnerable population that without conservation measures may well become extinct in a few short years.

The next step will be the public hearing to be held by the Wekeezhii Renewable Resources Board on March 22 to 26, 2010. Recommendations are expected by early June and the department will consult with the Tlicho Government on implementation.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the department will take steps to work cooperatively with co-management boards to address overlap issues associated with this valuable resource. In 2010 surveys will be undertaken to obtain a new estimate for the Bluenose-East and Ahiak herds. These herds are shared by communities from the Kitikmeot, Inuvialuit, Sahtu, Tlicho, North Slave, South Slave and northern Saskatchewan. The department will work with boards, users and governments to share information and assess management actions.

I look forward to support from Members, aboriginal governments and our co-management partners as we navigate these challenging waters. At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, we are looking for the same thing: a way to help these herds survive so they in turn can help sustain current and future generations. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Michael McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to provide Members and the public with information on the progress made to date on the Deh Cho Bridge Project.

The Deh Cho Bridge Project is being undertaken as a public-private partnership with the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, which is owned by the Dene and Metis of the community of Fort Providence. In years to come I expect the Deh Cho Bridge will be a symbol of what can be accomplished through community partnerships.

This project has had its share of challenges, but these challenges have been effectively addressed as they have arisen. As a result, I am pleased to note that the project is now 50 percent complete and will soon reach a significant milestone: the completion of the foundation work. That will be the point at which we are out of the water, leaving behind the highest risk component of the entire project.

We’ve also undertaken a detailed review of the bridge superstructure design. The review, which is now essentially complete, will result in a design that is more conventional, simpler to construct and at a lower cost. The new design will ensure that the bridge will serve us well for its entire expected lifespan of 75 years.

The project is on track for completion by November 2011, one year later than originally planned. We will soon have a new general contractor able to complete the remaining two years of the project. The Government of the Northwest Territories and our partner, the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation, have, therefore, risen above the challenges which we have been presented and are ready to complete this project, with benefits to the people of the North Slave region and to all the residents of the Northwest Territories.

The Deh Cho Bridge Project has been talked about and planned for over 50 years. From the time the highway was constructed connecting Yellowknife to the rest of Canada, it has been recognized that the economic life of the North Slave region was connected to the rest of the Northwest Territories by a very fragile thread, with seasonal and occasional interruptions in service affecting road transportation and travel for several weeks of the year.

Through this public-private partnership, the Government of the Northwest Territories at last received the means to move forward with this

important piece of infrastructure, without depleting our limited capital resources which are needed for infrastructure requirements in other parts of the Northwest Territories.

Many benefits come from the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge. Some of the examples include an all-weather road access to and from the North Slave region that will be available for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no longer will travellers have to choose air transportation or put off travelling altogether because they chose the wrong time of the year to cross the Mackenzie River.

The bridge toll was also set so that the economic benefits associated with the bridge will be greater than the cost of the toll. The bridge will result in savings from efficiencies and trucking operations. Commercial carriers will be able to operate their fleet year round without interruptions for breakup or during freeze-up. Their drivers will be able to travel the highway 24 hours a day, without overnight waits or even the wait for the ferry to get to their side. More competition can be expected as the risks associated with freight transportation over a ferry and ice crossing system is reduced. A more efficient trucking system will further reduce the costs for businesses, industries and individuals in the North Slave region.

And let us not forget the environmental and safety risks that exist any time you operate a ferry service or an ice bridge. The risk of fuel spills will be substantially reduced once a permanent bridge is in place. Idling vehicles waiting for the ferry will also no longer be necessary. The need for approximately half a million litres of fuel currently being used by the Merv Hardie will be eliminated, helping the GNWT to meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets, and damage to the ferry from ice will no longer be an occurrence.

There are other benefits that arise any time you improve transportation infrastructure. Residents lose the sense of isolation that comes from being unable to travel when and where one chooses. Potential investors will look more seriously at the region with a reliable transportation system. Employment and economic opportunities increase and people everywhere in the Northwest Territories benefit.

We are looking to the future of the Deh Cho Bridge Project with confidence. A key piece of infrastructure will be put in place without sacrificing roads and bridges that are needed in other parts of the Territory. The completion of the bridge will be a significant achievement for the government and people of the Northwest Territories. In less than two years this will be a reality. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, we have reached a crucial milestone with the Mackenzie Gas Project.

On December 30, 2009, the Joint Review Panel released its long awaited report assessing the environmental and social impacts of the MGP.

What I will talk about today is what this government is doing, and has done, to ensure our work on this project is timely and efficient. And I will talk about the potential benefits this proposed project, if done in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, could bring to the Northwest Territories and to Canada. But I am not here today to focus on this report and the response our government is preparing, since the lead department for this is Environment and Natural Resources.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT was prepared for this report upon its release and we were able to start working on it right away. This government has dedicated significant resources to prepare a response to the report, and we are committed to delivering that response in a timely manner in accordance with the June 2002 cooperation plan. We also await the National Energy Board’s decisions on this project, which is expected by the end of this year.

Mr. Speaker, we do not know what that decision will be regarding the Mackenzie Gas Project. But if it does proceed – and, again, I stress it will only proceed if it can be done in an environmentally and socially responsible manner -- it will provide economic opportunities, lead to infrastructure development, and has the potential to provide a brighter future for the people of the Northwest Territories for generations to come.

It will also offer opportunities for economic diversification, as many of our communities may have access to a secure supply of clean and affordable natural gas.

Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories in particular, through direct ownership of the pipeline through the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, stand on the cusp of an unprecedented era of sustained prosperity and growth.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie Gas Project will also create jobs, much needed jobs, not just for the Northwest Territories but for the entire country. These jobs will help the Canadian economy recover from the recession that has gripped it for the past two years. The establishment of a related economic activity in the NWT will sustain that recovery for decades.

The project can also help in the fight against climate change, by increasing the continental supply of natural gas, thereby allowing natural gas

to replace dirty coal as the fuel of choice at hundreds of power plants. And our Arctic gas resources will be a critical element in the overall natural gas supply mix, providing a cleaner, more secure energy source for the entire continent.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government also has a large role to play in this process. We understand that the Government of Canada continues in its discussions with the project proponents on fiscal arrangements regarding the Mackenzie Gas Project. We encourage the parties to reach a conclusion as soon as possible on those arrangements.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement by emphasizing once again that done right, the Mackenzie Gas Project presents the Northwest Territories with tremendous opportunities.

The actions we take over the next few years in working to ensure that -- economically, socially and environmentally -- this proposed project benefits the residents of the Northwest Territories, may well be the most significant contribution the 16th Legislative

Assembly makes in meeting its vision of a thriving, strong and economically sustainable Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the budget address on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Colleagues, before we proceed, I would like to draw your attention to the visitor’s gallery, to the presence of a former Member of the House. Lena Pedersen is in the Chamber today.

---Applause

Also, colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge another milestone in the life of this Legislature and in the life of our Clerk. Please join me in wishing Mr. Mercer a very happy birthday today.

---Applause

I may also suggest that you walk not quite so quickly and speak a little slower so that Mr. Mercer adapts to his advanced years. Thank you, colleagues.

Item 3, Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Beaulieu.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Last year two of our elders and residents of Fort Resolution passed away and just recently the oldest resident of Tu Nedhe, Maurice Lockhart of Lutselk’e, passed away. Maurice Lockhart was born to Baptise and Louise Lockhart just after the first snowfall of winter in Lutselk’e. His true age was never verified but he was baptized in 1910. He was born at a time when there was no modern technology. They didn’t even have canvas, which is very valuable to hunters and trappers.

Mr. Speaker, life is sustained only by what Mother Earth provided, which were heat, caribou hides for clothing, and dog teams for travel, and hunting. Maurice spent most of his life on the land mainly near Timber Bay and Artillery Lake area.

Maurice survived the 1925 flu epidemic and did his part to help others through that difficult time. In 1935 he married Judith Casaway of Luselk’e and built a home on an island near the old Lutselk’e. All of his children were born out on the land. Alfred, Emerence and Joe were born at Tthaili, Felix was born near Lutselk’e and Tom was born in Rocher River.

Maurice lived a nomadic lifestyle, travelling with the seasons to hunt and trap in the vast area. He often took his wife, Judith, to visit her family at Nonacho Lake. Maurice is known as a spiritual man. People would tell him their problems and through his dreams he would help them. He prayed for his family members every day, as well as for the community of Lutselk’e. Maurice was well known for his public speaking at political and social gatherings.

Mr. Speaker, one of Maurice’s greatest passions was the love for music. He loved to imitate people in his fiddling and dancing, and the people of Lutselk’e enjoyed his imitating and loved him. Mr. Speaker, that was evident at his funeral, which I had the privilege to attend. There was both the traditional drum dancing, modern fiddling and square dancing. The whole community and many visiting guests took part in the last dance to remember and honour Maurice Lockhart.

Please join me in honouring this much respected elder in sending our condolences to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are back to the budget session, the longest session, the longest sitting of the year for MLAs. Of course the budget is still under lock and key so we can’t talk about any specifics, although we have certainly had some part in consulting with the government on what it contains in it, and we can talk about a budget in general terms.

Mr. Speaker, we have extensive resources but we also have considerable challenges. How do we measure the well-being of our Territory? It is usually through landscape glimpses, through statistics, which can report good news or bad news. It is our job as legislators here to apply our resources to the needs of the people that we serve. In doing so, even with the best of intentions, I believe that we fall short in one area. Our constant need to look for direction and solutions to our challenges from without, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, has always been a source of great frustration to me.

We as a government, as a way of doing business, have for too long placed too much stock in a consultant or an expert or some other outside resources through the many, many studies and reviews that we undertake.

Mr. Speaker, when I look at the level of our financial resources and the level of our needs here in the North, I am of the strong belief that many of the answers, many of the solutions reside within our people themselves, but we as a government have inadvertently thwarted greater gains in addressing our needs by depriving our own people, our NGOs, our community governments, our leaders, our elders, of the resources that they need to find local solutions to local problems. We have created a culture of dependency as people look to us for answers, which many times often lie within themselves.

People who are passionate about specific needs have the ability to harness resources and input that cannot be bought with any amount of money. It is their own knowledge, experience, culture and traditional knowledge that they have and possess that I believe is the answer to many of the challenges that we face and do not make enough progress on.

As we consider yet another budget in the next six weeks or so, I believe we need to challenge ourselves about the way that we do business and what challenges for social and economic prosperity go unanswered and remain in the rut of the status quo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce launched a petition asking their government to consider outsourcing the Yukon’s Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board to B.C. The petition was based on a number of employers complaining that the Yukon premiums are too high. With little consideration of the matter, in the end neither government supported the petition, possibly because when balancing the significant differences between the provincial and territorial workers’ compensation acts and in considering that B.C. has a significantly larger population and administers the WCB differently, then the province would likely have to set separate rates for the Yukon and administer it differently in a way that may conceivably have the Yukon rates increase to their employers when taking in consideration of the service costs.

Mr. Speaker, the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce petition may have been rejected, but it’s unfair to compare the Workers’ Compensation Board there to B.C., but there is obviously some discontent among their members in the Yukon business community that their WCB for them is starting to look elsewhere for solutions in other jurisdictions. For some people in our Territory this may sound all too familiar when we talk about high costs of rates.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps there is a mutual solution that lies to the east of the Yukon with perhaps joining the NWT and Nunavut WSCC system. Perhaps someone needs to present a pan-territorial vision for the evolution of the WCB that blends similar rates, experiences, problems, solutions and environment into one system that we all could work together. As we all know, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut already work together under the same legislation and administration and thus we provide a clear and excellent example of a multi-jurisdictional approach that works. Now, if someone had the audacity to think outside of this opportunity and reach for this chance that could tie us together for a new type of venture that could move towards the future rather than finding ways to divide us, a solution may be found.

Mr. Speaker, people see that the three territories have similar businesses, similar people, similar problems. I don’t believe that we’re so dissimilar that an idea like this couldn’t work. Mr. Speaker, the opportunity really lies before us. Let’s not overlook this potential chance that we could be doing

something great for our people as well as our businesses that employ these people. Mr. Speaker, undoubtedly, we could work together in a way that would protect individual autonomy, but yet work better for all Northerners territory to territory to territory.

Mr. Speaker, later today I’ll have questions for the Minister of WSCC about potentially launching a new venture and new vision for our three territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to speak today about the Mackenzie Gas Project.

Last month I had the opportunity to accompany Minister Bob McLeod to Calgary, where we met with proponents of the project and industry representatives. Everyone we met with was still very positive about the future of this project, and I believe now that the Joint Review Panel report has been released the time has arrived for our government to ramp up its efforts to demonstrate the tremendous benefits of this project to this Territory and to everyone in this country.

Minister Bob McLeod has done a great job at championing the cause, but we need to show our support as an entire government body to demonstrate that we fully support the MGP and everything it means to the future of our people and Territory. A motion to that effect is in the works.

This project will represent the beginning of an era of prosperity and growth for our Territory. I would expect that the project would proceed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner which will lead to sustained oil and gas activity, economic and infrastructure development, prosperity, stability, and a brighter future for the people of the Northwest Territories for generations to come. All residents have the potential to benefit from this project, not only through access to jobs and business opportunities during the construction phase but also through sustained opportunities as we see the re-emergence of this industry in the Northwest Territories.

This project and resulting diversification of our economic base can also contribute to governments in the Northwest Territories taking on more of a leadership role and demonstrating that we are capable of managing our own destiny. This will be further evidence to strengthen the argument for shifting responsibility and authority to the people of the Northwest Territories.

The benefits of this project will not only accrue to the Northwest Territories but to other parts of this country, particularly Alberta and Ontario which will

see contributions to the economy in the order of $10 billion and $5 billion respectively. The overall contribution to the Canadian economy is expected to be in the neighbourhood of $86 billion. Make no mistake, the Mackenzie Gas Project will be a nation-building exercise.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

It will address the federal government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to seeing Canada’s North reach its full potential, and a clear expression of Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty. These are lasting legacies that the federal government cannot continue to overlook.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. I always start my Member’s statements by paying respect to the people who have passed away, to their families and friends, since the last sitting of this Assembly.

In the community of Tuktoyaktuk we lost Henry Nasogaluak. I’d like to give condolences to his brothers, David, William, Eli, Joe, and Bill; his sister, Sarah Anderson; and his common-law, Viasha; his young son, Henry; and his two sons, Darryl and Jason, who I grew up with back home. Henry will be sadly missed by Tuk Search and Rescue. Anything that was ever needed by the community in that sort, Henry was always there. He was one of the all-round hunters and one of the best sport hunting guides in the Territory.

I’d also like to give condolences to Mavis Chicksi and her family. Her common-law, Brian; her son, Brian Jr.; Aaron, Petra Lisa Alikamik, and to their family.

I’d also like to pay respects to Angus Kikoak; his mother, Susie; his brother, Steven; his sisters, Brenda, Caroline, Lena, and Violet.

I’d like to pay respects to Andrew Gruben, grandson of Eddie Gruben, who will be sadly missed. Condolences to his mother, Louisa Gruben; his father, Peter Louie; brothers, Peter and Matthew; sisters, Kristena, Liz and Effie. Condolences to you guys back home. It was a tough three months.

In the community of Ulukhaktok three well-respected elders -- Jimmy Memogana, Margaret Egotak, and Harry, her husband -- passed away this past winter. They’ll all sadly be missed. Our

communities are small, very tight-knit communities, where everyone knows everyone.

The communities of Ulukhaktok and Tuk are very small, close-knit. The loss of one person impacts us deeply.

I, lastly, wish to give my condolences to the people of the Northwest Territories who lost loved ones in the past few months. Our prayers are with you all and your families.

Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

[English translation not provided.]

Mr. Speaker, last week I was proud to be the hosting MLA at the Dene Nation Leadership Meeting in Fort Simpson. This was the first meeting of the year, in which they are celebrating 40 years of presence in the North, of which I once again extend my congratulations.

---Applause

Given the importance of this event and emerging treaty rights issues with the GNWT temporary hunting ban on the Bathurst caribou herd, I was very dismayed that our Cabinet did not send one ministerial representative to this meeting. Invitations went out to the Premier, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, and the rest of the Cabinet in early January, but no response was given by anyone to the Dene Nation. In fact, the Dene national leadership had to pass a motion in their assembly requesting their attendance. Our GNWT government has taken great pride in recognizing aboriginal governments, but I feel in not responding positively to the request of the Dene national chief to attend this important meeting was a big mistake. The AFN national chief, Mr. Shawn Atleo, took the time to go to Fort Simpson and pay attention to the needs of the Dene Nation, but not our government.

In the week previous to this, the entire Cabinet attended the Beaufort-Delta meetings, which they do often. There was no willingness to attend this Dene Nation Leadership Meeting, yet one could have predicted, from recent media coverage, that issues related to the Government of the Northwest Territories would be high on the agenda. I think that shunning the invitation to Fort Simpson demonstrated a lack of judgment. There is a cost: criticism of the GNWT -- of which I am a representative -- and the weakening of the GNWT working relationship with the Dene National Assembly. I believe that with a Cabinet ministerial representative, the current issue of the hunting ban on the Bathurst caribou herd, treaty rights, and

consultations could have been better understood by both sides. Regretfully, now we have a situation where we are negotiating and disputing the issues in the media and not face to face.

I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted.

This was an opportunity to engage each other on this very important issue. In the future I hope that the GNWT Cabinet members give due respect and attend Dene national leadership meetings and give equal weight to all aboriginal government meetings. Mahsi cho.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.