Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Nanaimo—Cowichan for his speech and his dedication to the First Nations. I would like to tell him some of the features of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
First, an advantage to the Mackenzie Valley First Nations without land claims settlements is that the aboriginal and treaty rights will be protected. The act will also be reviewed in consultation with First Nations with respect to any self-government agreements that might be negotiated. It does not affect the Indian Act. First Nations may also nominate members to the boards, providing a much stronger voice in resource management decision making throughout the Mackenzie Valley. It also allows for permanent regional land and water panels upon settlement of claims.
What are the changes for the industry? The implementation of land claims brings the certainty required to enhance the investment climate. The integrated resources management brings efficiency and consistency to the Mackenzie Valley. The land and water system is based on familiar regulations: the Northwest Territories Water Act; the territorial land use regulation with some changes to reflect the land claims; aboriginal water rights, clauses 73 to 79; modernizations from security deposits in clause 71; and a penalty for offences clause.
Finally, it encourages and provides for co-operation to eliminate duplication and environmental reviews.
We know the people living and working in the Mackenzie Valley are in favour of this bill. We know the large majority of the population of the Mackenzie Valley is from the aboriginal population, and the Northwest Territories government with a majority of members coming from the aboriginal people is supportive of this bill. The Council of the Gwich'in First Nation and the Council of the Sahtu Nation are in favour of this bill.
Knowing that this bill brings many advantages to the actual situation, my question to my colleague is, why is it that the Reform Party wants to impose its solution knowing that this proposed solution is one drafted with and for the population of the north?