As part of the negotiations process, we were able to limit the extent of the Norman Wells oilfield so that for a period of time they were looking at all of the Norman Wells area that would be covered. We were able to limit it just to the existing oilfield from Norman Wells. We also discussed, and the Prime Minister mentioned it in his response to a question, that from time to time the Government of Canada sells off assets of commercial interest and if it does happen, then there might be a possibility there for royalties.

I should point out that in the ‘80s, or when the Gwich'in and the Sahtu took the Government of Canada to court for unpaid royalties, there was an out-of-court settlement whereby both the Gwich'in and the Sahtu signed an agreement that the Norman Wells payments were not royalties, in order to receive compensation in an out-of-court settlement.