Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to introduce Bill 39, the Environmental Rights Act. This bill takes steps to modernize and broaden the existing Environmental Rights Act in the Northwest Territories. The bill provides broader rights to:
- request an investigation, including clearer timelines and responsibilities of the Minister;
- prosecute an offence;
- bring forward an action; and
- protect employees who have engaged in processes under the Environmental Rights Act.
The bill also requires Executive Council to prepare a statement of environmental values and ensure that departments and select public bodies consider that statement in their decision-making.
Environment and Natural Resources has developed this bill through a partnership process with a technical working group that is comprised of Indigenous governments and organizations. Valuable input was also received from a stakeholder advisory committee, public engagement, consultation with Indigenous governments and organizations, and other Government of the Northwest Territories departments.
The department appreciates all comments and recommendations provided through the Standing Committee of Economic Development and Environment review process. The department is confident that the bill has become stronger with their amendments.
To ensure the public is aware of these modernizations to the Environmental Rights Act, the department will actively promote it through our regular communication methods.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chair. Thank you.