Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to introduce Bill 36, An Act to Amend the Petroleum Resources Act.

Bill 36 seeks to enhance transparency and public accountability, address administrative and technical issues, and manage significant discoveries of petroleum in the Northwest Territories in the best interests of all residents.

To enhance transparency and public accountability, this bill proposes:

• requiring greater amounts of information to be disclosed about a number of different licences and activities related to the petroleum in the NWT;
• increasing public representation on the Environmental Studies Management Board, while requiring more reporting on activities of the fund they manage;
• adding consideration of Indigenous traditional knowledge and input from Indigenous organizations when appointing board members; and
• clarifying the requirements related to conflicts of interest on public boards established under the act.

To better manage significant petroleum discoveries, this bill would amend the criteria for an interest holder to be eligible for a significant discovery licence. This bill will also restrict the term of a significant discovery licence to better reflect our territory's values and principles when it comes to land and natural resource management.

On the administrative and technical side, this bill would clarify authorities of the Minister to delegate their powers, duties, and functions to other qualified persons, and correct inconsistencies and errors identified throughout the current Petroleum Resources Act.

This bill is part of the government's work to improve the NWT land and resource management regime, to ensure northerners are able to make decisions that support sustainable, responsible development and protection of the environment while respecting Indigenous rights.

This kind of made-in-the-NWT legislation will help ensure NWT residents are making the decisions about how land and resources in the NWT are developed and used on behalf of current residents and future generations.

This bill resulted from an extensive policy development effort, including significant legislative research; two months of open and multi-platform engagement with the public, industry, Indigenous governments, NGOs, and other interested stakeholders; feedback from those on this committee; and close collaboration with Indigenous governments through the Intergovernmental Council. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment also prepared plain-language materials to support the public engagement process.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has worked with the Legislation Division of the Department of Justice on the Bill. The department does not anticipate that new regulations are necessary for this particular legislative initiative but does anticipate working with the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations to ensure appropriate guidance is developed before bringing these changes into force should the bill pass.

I also wish to take this opportunity to commend the committee on their continued engagement with the public as this bill was moved through the legislative process. I welcome any questions the Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.