Statement made on 05 October 2011 by Senator Nick Sibbeston
Hon. Nick G. Sibbeston:
My question to the Leader of the Government today deals with regulatory reform in the Northwest Territories.
In the Northwest Territories, lands and resources is a complex issue because it is not just Crown land; it is lands that are owned by First Nations, and the territorial government is also there. In recent years, the federal government has taken some initiative in streamlining, simplifying and making more efficient the regulations that govern land use, environmental matters and approval for economic projects.
A number of years ago, Mr. McCrank, from Calgary, produced a report dealing with the matter. More recently, John Pollard, from Hay River, studied the matter. Both of them have provided reports to the government and the minister.
I would like the government leader to confer with Minister Duncan and tell him that the matter of regulatory reform in the North has been studied and reported on. What northerners need now is a decision. Will you please tell the minister to hurry up?
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