Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has reviewed Bill 3, Surface Rights Board Act.
The Surface Rights Board Act mirrors federal legislation, pursuant to the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. The act provides for a Surface Rights Board to resolve disputes relating to terms and conditions of access to lands and waters, chiefly for commercial purposes. This includes disputes over compensation for access.
The act covers Gwich’in, Sahtu and Tlicho lands and waters as well as Inuvialuit lands and other lands in the NWT.
Alternatives North provided comments on Bill 3 related to the future board’s powers and jurisdiction. The committee carefully considered these comments and thanks Alternatives North for their participation and thorough critique.
During the clause-by-clause review with the Premier, a minor amendment was made to correct the French version of the bill. The Premier concurred with the amendment. A motion was subsequently carried to report Bill 3 to the Assembly as ready for further consideration in Committee of the Whole as amended and reprinted.
This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 3. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you.