This is page numbers 5945 - 5992 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

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I was under the assumption that that would be a relatively small amount, but I will look forward to that information. My second question is: how much land is currently covered by the existing SDLs? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. The Member asked how much land is currently covered by the existing SDLs. Does the Minister have an answer? Minister.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Same thing. We will get that information while we are sitting, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So what is the term of existing SDLs in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Under the current regulations, it's indefinite. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. What tools are available to the government to change the terms of existing SDLs? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Minister.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It's either by consent or drilling order. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

I am sorry. Could you repeat your answer?

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

It's either by consent or drilling order. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you. This legislation proposes to change the terms of SDLs in particular and to provide for some certainty that work will be done before extensions of term are granted. Those are fine, and those are the kind of things that I think are a better approach to the old federal artefact, as I call it, but I would like to know if those new terms will apply to the existing SDLs that have an indeterminate term. Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, they will not.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. If the witnesses could just indicate when they are done speaking so that our team knows when to change the mics, that would be appreciated. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Chair. What assurances can the Minister give to people who are concerned about the old SDLs, the SDLs that weren't really working as well as intended? That was the feedback that we received. What assurances can the Minister give that those existing SDLs will be either brought into the regime that we will be bringing forward with the new legislation or, at least, will become competitive and not just sit there for an indeterminate amount of time, which could be until the end of time? What assurances can the Minister give that there will be work done and that these SDLs will generate economic activity that will benefit Northerners? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.

Wally Schumann

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Chair. It has been quite clear; we cannot change these existing SDLs that are already put into place. There would be significant litigation possibilities, as I have said to committee when we discussed this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Mr. Testart.

Kieron Testart

Kieron Testart Kam Lake

Thank you. Mr. Chair, I think the question is not: "will the Minister change the existing SDLs?" It was: "what comfort can he give to people who are concerned around the existing SDL regime that there will, in fact, be economic opportunity produced by these licences?" It doesn't have to be heavy-handed; it doesn't have to be drilling orders, but there has to be something there. If the department has no answer today, is this something that they can look at cooperatively with industry so that we can see some work move forward? Thank you.

The Chair

The Chair R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister.