Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, water is life. The vision of the Inuvialuit Water Board is to have clean and plentiful water available today and into the future.
Mr. Speaker, the waters of the Mackenzie Basin eventually flow into the Delta and the Arctic Ocean. The Northwest Territories Water Board was established in 1972 and was renamed the lnuvialuit Water Board in March 2014. It provides for the conservation, development, and use of inland waters to benefit all Canadians and, in particular, the residents of the lnuvialuit Settlement Region.
Mr. Speaker, under the Waters Act, the lnuvialuit Water Board is responsible for licensing water use and waste disposal in the lnuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, those waters may be in a liquid or solid state, on or below the surface of land. Projects that require large amounts of water and produce waste that could potentially impact the quality of the environment are of concern to the board. The lnuvialuit Water Board also regulates waste that may enter waters and would alter water quality. The role and function of the lnuvialuit Water Board deals with municipal and industrial requests for water licences in the portion of the ISR in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, the board consists of five members, currently appointed by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources. Two members are nominated by the lnuvialuit Regional Corporation and one member by the federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. The board maintains a website and produces an annual report.
Mr. Speaker, the lnuvialuit are ready to take on a more government-to-government approach to the Water Board. As we update the Waters Act to reflect our post-devolution context, we can expect changes in the area of appointments. It is important for the Government of Northwest Territories to make decisions independently.
Mr. Speaker, the lnuvialuit Water Board will have an important role in all future developments in the Delta and Beaufort regions. The Government of Northwest Territories and other governments have a great opportunity to work to protect and preserve water resources. The lnuvialuit will be part of the steps we take towards our vision of clean and plentiful water now and for future generations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.