Thank you very much, and good morning to everyone. I'm very happy to get some time to present this statement. I'll get right into it, since time is of the essence.
Just to give you a little bit of background, I am Grand Chief Gladys Norwegian, elected to represent the Dehcho First Nations. We are a regional body representing eight member first nations and two Métis locales in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories.
The Dehcho First Nations communities are connected through language, cultural beliefs, practices, genealogy and principles. We are part of the Dene nation and have lived on our homeland and according to our own laws and system of government since time immemorial.
Our homeland comprises the ancestral territories and waters of the Dehcho Dene. We were put here by the Creator as keepers of and guardians over our waters and land. We therefore share responsibility in managing the land.
We understand that the committee is here today to consider Bill C-88, which, among other things, incorporates the proposed amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. I'm here to share our thoughts on those amendments. These amendments would have significant impact upon the way our land, resources and rights are impacted by development occurring within the territories of our member first nations. We appreciate the opportunity to share our view.
I would like to start by saying that on a general level Dehcho First Nations has not been a party to the Mackenzie Valley management regime. We're still negotiating with Canada on land and resource issues in our region; however, in the meantime we are made subject to the MVRMA and accordingly must deal with what is now before us.
With those points noted, I would like to say that we believe the proposed amendments are positive and are a move in the right direction. They will, if they come into force, allow for better environmental review and protection measures for the developments that are occurring within the Dehcho region.
Most notably, they will reverse the unacceptable amendments of 2014 that would have eliminated the regional co-management boards. These boards were negotiated as part of the modern treaties, but the previous government attempted to replace them with a single super-board. Those amendments are now subject to a successful injunction brought by our neighbour, the Tlicho Government, who are a party to the modern treaty and who are supposed to be a partner in the MVRMA process. We agree that the super-board should never have been put into the law and that those provisions must be reversed.
The amendments before you in Bill C-88 now make it clear that the members of the board appointed to a hearing panel will include indigenous government appointees equal in number to other appointees named by public governments. In making this provision, the proposed amendments will help to restore balance to the way the MVRMA operates and will ensure that the voice of indigenous board members will be heard. This point cannot be overstated.
Responsible management of our land and resources is a sacred duty for our people. We are prepared in the context of our treaty relationship to work with other governments, but we will never again be silenced and sidelined.
The new amendment also creates a cost-recovery scheme against proponents and an administration enforcement scheme for development certificates that is backed by fines and other penalties. From DFN's perspective, first, this will prevent hesitant or less serious proponents who lack a solid business case from moving ahead with regulatory applications. Second, this will make sure the regime is enforced and that developments move forward in accordance with specific terms and conditions. Terms and conditions of DFN and others have the opportunity to influence, under the amendments. The amendments enable intervenors before the board, such as DFN, and to seek changes to develop certificates to impose conditions on an already-approved project.
Notwithstanding the positive aspects of the bill, in the remaining time that I have here today, DFN would like us to put forward a few recommendations on the following topics.
I didn't start timing myself, so I just wonder how much time I have.