Can the Minister confirm whether she's prepared to address the need for legislation that will enhance and support an agricultural sector in the NWT?

Next question is: has the Minister commenced discussion with the Minister of Lands on how to address the need for lands dedicated for agricultural use in the South Slave?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Hay River, we have trees, fish, roads, a port, and agriculture. My questions will be for the Minister of ITI. Can the Minister of ITI tell me if her department is prepared to action the agricultural strategy prepared by the 18^th Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The need for a strategy to advance economic opportunities and agriculture was identified in the 2013 Economic Opportunities Strategy. Subsequently, the 18^th Assembly developed an agricultural strategy that looked to expand the agricultural sector, increase local food production, increase producer and supplier opportunities, and improve distribution networks for NWT food and food-related products.

Three terms later, this 19^th Legislative Assembly continues on a path looking to increase employment in small communities, reduce the cost of living, increase economic diversification, and increase food security; all the components we would expect in developing a strong and sustainable agricultural sector. The Minister of ITI must either reject, revise, or accept the strategy of the 18^th Assembly if we are to make it our own and move it forward. I would say, let us move on it, and make it a reality.

Mr. Speaker, if we are to build a relevant and viable agricultural industry, we must ensure that the legislation is in place to make it work. We must ensure that producers have access to land, and that land cost is reasonable. We must provide the support and resources producers require. We must encourage and provide new and upcoming producers with training opportunities. We must partner with the federal government to leverage agricultural funding, and most importantly, we must partner with Indigenous peoples to ensure they have provided an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. This approach will enhance the probability of successfully delivering on the agricultural strategy.

The reality is that we have a number of producers who are hampered by lack of clarity around agricultural expansion. They are forced to approach it from the standpoint of hobby farming. These same producers are ready to move up to the next level of production, and we, as government, must support them by removing existing barriers and providing the support required to make it happen.

Mr. Speaker, we have to remember that each producer is unique. We must work in collaboration with them while taking a small-steps approach to building on each component and each success if we expect to succeed. If we expect to capture all elements of agriculture in one big swoop, we will ultimately fail; and if we do nothing, we will fail. Let's get to work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I thank the Minister for the answer, and that's all the questions I have. Thank you.

If the Minister could make that information available to me in writing. One of the concerns is that the cost of the lease is disproportionate to what it is in with agricultural leases in Alberta, and the portions of land that they're looking for is smaller as well here in the territories. I'd just ask the Minister if he would take a look at the comparison and come up with a number that is realistic for the use of the land. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The other one of the concerns that people had was that, like, I am not quite sure what the cost of the commercial lease would be, but would it equate to what it would be for an agricultural lease in Alberta, say? Thank you, Madam Chair.

No questions, no. Yes, just back to the agricultural opportunities, I guess my concern is that we have an agricultural strategy in place but we have no land available to actually do anything, especially in the South Slave and the Deh Cho area. I am wondering if there is anything that this department can do to make lands available for agricultural use. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess after listening to the Member for Frame Lake's comments and the number of people who have come in front of the board, which sounds like nil, I have a question about having that board in place, as well. The only thing that would, I guess, stop me from saying "get rid of it" is that it's job creation and that is what we are looking for here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a comment.