Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I commented on my concerns with the directions currently being taken by the government, and its handling of the community transfer initiatives.
I do not like to sound negative all of the time, Mr. Speaker, so today I will offer a positive suggestion. Transfer the responsibility to M.A.C.A. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs should be the lead department in matters dealing with community transfer initiatives.
This department has over 20 years experience in consulting with community groups, and negotiating a wide range of agreements. It has the know-how, Mr. Speaker, it has the resources. Most important, it has a carefully established working relationship with hamlets, settlements, and regional organizations.
This was something that was recognized in the 11th Assembly, and I note, that a motion was even passed there stating that M.A.C.A. should be given the mandate to lead and coordinate devolution of responsibilities to the communities.
The current government responded by creating a Community Transfer Committee within the Department of the Executive. This, Mr. Speaker, is not where the responsibility lies. We should not be trying to re-invent the wheel.
Mr. Speaker, I said yesterday, that I realize that some communities and regions are going to want to deal with matters surrounding the inherent right to self-government, and perhaps, even models of government are alternatives to public government. I am fully supportive of their desire to do so and where the expertise of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, and his officials, are needed to assist, I trust that his Cabinet colleagues will involve him, and give him a free reign to take on these difficult negotiations.
The mechanics of the process, the time lines, the negotiation of how responsibility areas are to be packaged for transfer and followed up, these should all be the prime responsibility of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
I say, transfer the initiative to M.A.C.A.