Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the western Caucus met Wednesday evening with the Committee of Political Leaders to discuss constitutional development. We all agreed that in light of the 1999 schedule for division, western constitutional development has become a very important issue requiring M.L.A.s and political leaders to work together to ensure that a credible process is established to develop the Constitution for the west.

Western M.L.A.s and the Committee of Political Leaders are working on a common plan and budget for the next stage in this process which we hope to table in this House later in this session. It is also agreed, Mr. Speaker, that the transfer of more authority and responsibility to the communities can and must remain our immediate priorities, even as the work on territorial constitutions continues.

Members of the western caucus have asked me to affirm our continued strong support for the fast and effective implementation of the community transfer initiative in all regions of the Northwest Territories. One caveat on the initiative was registered by the President of the Metis Nation of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Gary Bohnet, who is concerned that the interest of the Metis may be overlooked in some communities or regions. We recommend that the government take into account the concern and aspirations of the Metis in communities when transfer agreements are being concluded. Another issue is finding an acceptable definition of community. Several groups want the definition of community to include regions.

I want to thank the members of the Committee of political Leaders and the western caucus Members for realizing the need to work cooperatively on this vital issue. I expect that this is just the first of many such meetings over the coming months and I am confident that we can set a process...