Mr. Speaker, last week I tabled the community transfer initiative implementation plan, which represents the government's commitment to recognize and encourage community self-government.
The initiative will transfer government programs and responsibility for decision-making closer to the people, so that program design and delivery will more clearly reflect local needs and traditions. Community governments must be able to decide for themselves what is important and what needs to be done to solve local problems.
In February the government tabled the report entitled "Reshaping Northern Government", which stated that a process needs to be developed for communities to determine if they are ready and able to take on the responsibilities they want. Mr. Speaker, the community transfer initiative implementation plan includes a description of the process which will be used to achieve the goal of transfers to those communities which indicate a desire to take on greater levels of responsibility. The process represents a broad and flexible approach which will allow communities to proceed at the pace, and on the level best suited to their individual and unique needs. I must say again that this is a voluntary process and the initiative to become involved must come from the communities themselves. So far, over twenty communities from across the territories have expressed an interest in beginning transfer talks. Officials have conducted workshops in a number of communities and for the Keewatin Regional Council, and officials are available to conduct further workshops on request.
The process described in the community transfer initiative implementation plan makes frequent reference to the involvement of M.L.A.s. We welcome involvement from all M.L.A.s and I can assure you that I will keep you informed of requests and transfer talks being considered or conducted in your constituencies. I want to be certain that you are aware of and support the decisions being made. I may need the help of the Members to decide which communities in their constituencies should go first if there are more requests than we can handle at any one time.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I can assure the Members that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, through both its headquarters and regional staff, will be closely involved in all transfers to communities. The implementation plan calls for the setting up of a steering committee to oversee the headquarters and technical aspects of transfers. M.A.C.A. will be a permanent member of that steering committee. Regional committees, chaired by regional directors and including M.A.C.A. representatives, will also be established. The communities and the government recognize M.A.C.A.'s expertise as essential during the self-assessment phase of the transfer process. The role of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs is one of coordination and, if necessary, that of a referee. Departmental Ministers will retain their accountability and responsibility throughout the process.
Mr. Speaker, the community transfer initiative is a cooperative partnership process which involves communities and government on an equal basis. I look forward to getting on with transfer talks with interested communities. Thank you.