This is page numbers 5791 - 5838 of the Hansard for the 18th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was public.

Topics

Recorded Vote
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister. Mr. Jenkins.

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Jenkins

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, it is our intent to bring this in very quickly, as the Minister stated. We are actively working on Dinaga Wek'ehodi, TDN, and Tu'eyeta in the Sahtu region. We need to bring this action into force to be able to move forward with the establishment agreements and those in to establish those areas. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly. Nothing further from Mr. O'Reilly. Clauses 99 to 101. Does committee agree?

Recorded Vote
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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Committee, please turn to page 8. We will have a look at the preamble. To the preamble. Does committee agree?

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Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. We will return to the bill number and title. Bill 38, Protected Areas Act. Does committee agree?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Does committee agree that Bill 38, Protected Areas Act, is now ready for a third reading?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. Bill 38, Protected Areas Act, is now ready for a third reading. Does committee agree that this concludes our consideration of Bill 38?

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Some Hon. Members

Agreed.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, committee. This concludes consideration of the bill. Thank you to the Minister, and thank you to the witnesses who have been sitting patiently for hours. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses from the Chamber. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.

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Tom Beaulieu

Tom Beaulieu Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Chair rise and report progress.

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The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The motion is in order and non-debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

I will rise and report progress.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

May I have the report, Member for Hay River North?

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R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to move order 21, report of Committee of the Whole, up on the order papers and consider it immediately. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to move Item 21 after consideration of Committee of the Whole.

---Unanimous consent granted

Member for Hay River North.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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R.J. Simpson

R.J. Simpson Hay River North

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Committee Report 18-18(3), Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment Report on the Review of Bill 38: Protected Areas Act, and Bill 38, Protected Areas Act, and would like to report progress; and that Committee Report 18-18(3) is concluded, with five motions adopted; and that Bill 38, Protected Areas Act, is ready for third reading; and Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.

Report Of Committee Of The Whole
Report Of Committee Of The Whole

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The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Do I have a seconder? Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. The motion is in order. All those in favour? All those opposed?

---Carried

Masi. Colleagues, with the three items that we have just wrapped up, the next item is Ministers' statements. The goal is go through Ministers' statements, and we will take a break after that. Deputy Premier.

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thirty-five years ago today, the Committee for Original People's Entitlement, or COPE, signed the Inuvialuit Final Agreement with the Government of Canada on behalf of the Inuvialuit of the Western Arctic. The Inuvialuit Final Agreement was the first comprehensive land claim agreement north of the 60th parallel, and only the second of its kind in Canada. In many ways, this agreement led the way for the future negotiation of land, resources, and self-government agreements in this territory, and perhaps in Canada.

The IFA was negotiated to help preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity and values within a changing northern society and to enable Inuvialuit to be equal and meaningful participants in the northern and national economy and society. It was also intended to help protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, environment, and biological productivity.

Under the agreement, Inuvialuit received ownership of over 90,000 square kilometres of land, including almost 13,000 square kilometres of subsurface ownership. In addition to lands, the Inuvialuit received $152 million in capital transfer payments from the Government of Canada. The IFA also provides the Inuvialuit with certain wildlife harvesting rights in the ISR, including the exclusive right to harvest game on Inuvialuit lands and the exclusive right to harvest furbearers.

Perhaps just as importantly, the IFA also gave Inuvialuit a guaranteed right to have a say in important decisions in the region. The agreement provided for the creation of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, established the Inuvialuit Game Council, and ensured Inuvialuit participation on co-management boards, including the Fisheries Joint Management Committee, Wildlife Management Advisory Council, Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), Environmental Impact Screening Committee, and the Environmental Impact Review Board.

Economically, the IFA established the Inuvialuit Development Corporation to help ensure Inuvialuit had an adequate level of self-reliance and a solid economic base to allow them to participate fully in the northern Canadian economy.

Today, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation continues to be an important partner with the Government of the Northwest Territories in working on behalf of all residents. The IRC was the first Indigenous government to join with our government in signing the Devolution Agreement-in-Principle in January 2011, continuing their role as trend-setters for Indigenous rights in the Northwest Territories. Their support and participation in the negotiation of the final agreement was invaluable to our government, and they continue to be strong supporters and allies in its ongoing implementation.

Our government is currently engaged, along with the IRC, in negotiations with the Government of Canada on a co-management regime for offshore oil and gas resources. Negotiation of co-management is one of the remaining commitments under the Devolution Agreement and will help ensure that Northerners are able to both have a say in the development of these resources and to benefit from them economically.

The Inuvialuit have also joined us in the science-based review of the federal moratorium on oil and gas development in the Arctic Ocean. Together, we recognize the enormous economic potential of this untapped resource, and we look forward to the day when our residents can benefit from its safe and responsible development.

Mr. Speaker, I know that there are many events planned back home to mark today's anniversary. While we cannot be there to take part ourselves, I would like to invite all Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in congratulating all Inuvialuit on this important anniversary, and I look forward to another 35 years and more of successful partnership between our governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Congratulations on Inuvialuit Day from all of us here at the Legislative Assembly. Ministers' statements. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories committed in our mandate to advance a number of renewable and alternative energy solutions to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower the cost of living. One of those commitments included implementing a new Northwest Territories Energy Strategy, which we achieved in April 2018 when we tabled the 2030 Energy Strategy: A Path to More Affordable, Secure and Sustainable Energy in the Northwest Territories. This strategy defines our long-term vision and approach for transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide Members with an update today on the progress that we have made, as we mark our first year of implementing the Energy Strategy, and to share with you what we have planned.

In 2018-2019, the Government of the Northwest Territories and its partners invested over $21 million in energy actions and initiatives, an unprecedented investment in energy in the Northwest Territories. We were also successful in obtaining federal funding for a large number of energy initiatives.

For example, under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, the Government of the Northwest Territories secured $31.2 million over four years, for programs such as the Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Buildings and Industry, the Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Governments, and additional funding to support the Arctic Energy Alliance.

Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, we secured $30 million for the Inuvik Wind Project, $15 million for a new generator in Sachs Harbour, and $10.7 million for upgrades to the Snare Forks hydropower generator.

In January, our government announced with the federal government a commitment for approximately $1.6 million to advance the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project, including for engagement with our Indigenous government partners. We were also pleased with a commitment for an additional $18 million in the most recent federal budget and look forward to advancing the next steps of this transformative project.

Mr. Speaker, during the upcoming year, the Government of the Northwest Territories plans to invest up to $64 million to continue the implementation of the 2030 Energy Strategy. This includes $2.74 million in core funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance and an additional $2.84 million to roll out enhanced programs and services for the Arctic Energy Alliance to better meet the needs of the public.

Already this fiscal year, the Government of the Northwest Territories has launched programs under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, including the $8 million Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Buildings and Industry and $2.4 million to continue supporting the Greenhouse Gas Program for Governments.

Our government is committed to continuing to address the cost of living and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Northwest Territories. We will be investing up to $18 million in the Inuvik Wind Project, as well as $7.4 million to begin the Sachs Harbour wind-diesel project. We will also spend up to $1 million to engage communities, invest in engineering design, and set the stage to connect Whati, Fort Providence, and Kakisa to renewable hydropower within the next few years.

We are also leading by example. This year, we have allocated $4.2 million to complete efficiency overhauls on two of our own vessels, the MV Lafferty ferry near Fort Simpson and the Jock McNiven tug operated by Marine Transportation Services, in order to reduce the amount of fuel needed for operations. We are also introducing an electric vehicle rebate program through the Arctic Energy Alliance, so that the public can help do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Department of Infrastructure will also partner with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to invest up to $2.9 million to construct a biomass district heating system at Sissons Court in Yellowknife. This initiative will help lower the cost of heating of 45 public housing units and will offer significant greenhouse gas reductions.

Mr. Speaker, the 2030 Energy Strategy was developed to help address the cost of living in the Northwest Territories, by investing in programs and services that support energy efficiency and conservation, and the deployment of alternative and renewable energy. These investments also benefit our territory by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and help us to meet national greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

The increased support of our government and from federal partners in energy solutions have contributed to the Government of the Northwest Territories' goal to stabilize or decrease energy costs for communities, businesses, and industry across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackson Lafferty

Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the athletes, coaches, chaperones, and most importantly, all of the volunteers who are making their way to Hay River for the annual Northwest Territories Track and Field Championships.

At 1:00 p.m. today, events will have commenced, making this the 29th Anniversary of one of the Northwest Territories' premier sporting events. I, along with some of my colleagues from the House, will be in attendance for the opening ceremonies tonight.

Approximately 30 teams and 1,150 athletes will embark on vying for the Championship Banner. 28 of those teams are from schools in 13 different communities from every region.

Mr. Speaker, this event is a massive undertaking that could not be done without the tremendous volunteer and community support of Hay River and the surrounding region. Hay River continues to show that they can support and host these types of events. I applaud you all. Special recognition goes to Tim Borchuk, JJ Hirst, and Rachel Yee for leading this year's event.

Mr. Speaker, events like the Track and Field Championships encourage our youth to lead healthy and active lifestyles, which improve physical and mental well-being and, ultimately, the well-being of our communities.

I want to thank Members of this Assembly and those who have preceded us in supporting great sport, physical activity, and recreation events across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish the best of luck to all of the athletes and coaches and that all participants will share in friendly, challenging, and rewarding competitions and that the youth will benefit for years to come from the experiences and friendships that they will find at the Northwest Territories Track and Field Championships. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.