Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very pleased last May 5 when the results from the plebiscite were finalized, and it appeared that the dream that we had carried in our hearts, Nunavut, would be established within the next decade. However, I would like to emphasize that there is a lot of work to be done before this now territory becomes a reality. The residents of the entire NWT began to march down the road toward Nunavut when we voted to confirm the boundary line. However, the next stop is up to the Inuit residents of Nunavut when we vote to ratify the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut land claim early in November. Without the acceptance of the claim by the Inuit the establishment of Nunavut becomes less likely and, indeed, almost impossible
at this time.
In order to approve the claim, a majority of Inuit in each region must ratify the claim. This does not mean that only a majority of Inuit who vote must approve of the claim, but that at least 51 per cent of all Inuit on the voters' list must agree to accept the claim. It is vital that the beneficiaries show their support by voting, as a "no show will count as a 'no'." I, as chairman of the Nunavut caucus, urge all Inuit who are eligible to vote to be sure that their vote counts that we may move toward the attainment of our shared dream, a now territory called Nunavut.
There is much work to be done before Nunavut is established on April 1, 1999. The successful ratification of the land claim is the first stop in the process, and negotiations toward the successful creation of Nunavut must proceed in an orderly manner with full participation of residents of the territory. We look forward to participating in the building of our new homeland, and wish to get on with the work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.