Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure is pleased to provide its report on transition matters and commends it to the House.
Introduction
As the 16th Legislative Assembly draws to a close,
the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure continues to monitor several ongoing issues and initiatives with long-term implications. The intent of this report is to make the public and Members of the 17th Assembly aware of
work in progress and highlight areas we believe will require the continued attention of our successor committee in the 17th Assembly.
Background
The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure includes five Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly. The committee’s role is to consider the following matters with respect to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations; Environment and Natural Resources; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Municipal and Community Affairs; Public Works and Services; Transportation; and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation:
1. review multi-year business plans and budgets,
bills, boards and agencies, including the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation, and the Public Utilities Board;
2. review departmental performance, including that
of boards and agencies; and
3. consider any other matter referred by the
House.
Transition Issues
Legislation and Regulations
A new NWT Wildlife Act was a major 16th Assembly
initiative. After extensive public consultation and deliberation, committee reported the bill as not ready for consideration in the Committee of the Whole. Reasons for this decision are outlined in the committee’s report. Members encourage the 17th Assembly to build upon the work that was done in developing this legislation to bring forward a new Wildlife Act that has the support of the majority of Northerners.
August 2011 amendments to the Territorial Parks Act contain significant regulation-making authority. The committee’s view is that the public consultation and input from Regular Members would be valuable in developing these regulations.
The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission renewed its safety regulations in 2009-10. There was public concern with the short consultation period, given the extent of the new regulations and their implications for northern workplaces.
During public consultations on amendments to the Dog Act, the public expressed the need for broader animal welfare protection legislation. The committee encourages the 17th Legislative
Assembly to consider this initiative.
The federal government has proposed extensive amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. Members encourage the successor committee to discuss this issue with representatives of the northern review boards forum at its earliest convenience.
Mr. Speaker, I’d like to pass the reading of the report now on to the deputy chair of the committee, the MLA for Nunakput, Mr. Jackie Jacobson.