Thank you, Mr. Speaker-elect. When we met with the Indigenous leaders from around the territory last week, two weeks ago -- it's been a whirlwind; I can't really recall when it was; it was recently, though -- there was a strong desire, everyone who spoke had a strong desire, to improve relationships with the GNWT. It was clear that everyone had been frustrated in the past, but everyone saw this as an opportunity to move forward, and we need to capitalize on that. We need to listen and understand why there is that lack of trust, not make assumptions, actually listen, and we have to address those issues. Like I said in my previous speech about accountability, I can say I am going to do a better job, and I am going to be more trustworthy, and I am going to listen more, but what about when I am gone? So what we need to do is put some procedures in place. The same way that the Cabinet and the Regular Members have communications protocols, we need that, those types of things, in place for Indigenous governments because I have heard the frustration that there will be a meeting and then there is no follow-up, maybe for months, maybe for years. Four years is the last one I heard where there was an issue that had just been unaddressed. So every time the government comes back to the table, the Indigenous government has to bring this issue back up again, and that is not acceptable. It's those kinds of things that we need to put in place so that, no matter who is in the office, we can maintain a level of trust. Thank you, Mr. Speaker-elect.
R.J. Simpson on Election Of Premier
On October 24th, 2019. See this statement in context.
Questions by Members
Election Of Premier
Election Of Premier
October 23rd, 2019
Page 61
See context to find out what was said next.