Mr. Speaker, the view that has been taken historically with regard to constitutional development in the north, is that in respect to specific aboriginal groups, it is those aboriginal groups that are mandated to represent those people in claims negotiations and constitutional negotiations, that we speak for them. In the case of the Metis, it is a bit overlapped right now in that the Metis Association has historically taken that role.

I do not think they are lax in their diligence at all, but the Gwich'in Tribal Council has taken the view that they represent all descendants of the Gwich'in, regardless of whether they are of treaty or Metis status. The Sahtu Tribal Council also represents the Metis locals of that region, and have motions endorsing the view that the Sahtu Tribal Council speaks for all Dene and Metis, in that region, in regards to claims negotiations, political, and constitutional issues.

As far as this Legislature is concerned, we have, at least I have, taken the view that we should give the aboriginal groups the comfort of trying to take some lead in these discussions, and not try to pressure them or suggest that we should have a larger say in it at all. We should take some comfort that it is community leaders, it is regional leaders, and it is duly elected leaders specifically mandated to represent aboriginal groups that are giving us some suggestions. That is what this draft work plan is.

I would suggest that the work plan is something that can be responded to, if the Member wants to make suggestions to that, and we can look at tabling that. My view is that it may be something more appropriately done as a caucus issue, since I sit in this committee representing the government, and Mr. Dent has been there representing the Legislature's ordinary Members. We have known for some time that this arrangement may need to be revisited, so that can be discussed in some context, as well.

You bring up the question of whether the Metis had been adequately dealt with or not. I know one of the Members of the committee, Mr. Dent, had raised the issue of whether municipalities are being treated adequately, or not, in this process. Whatever process we set up, it is my view, this community of political leaders is charged with overseeing the constitutional process much in the same way that the Constitutional Alliance had some years ago. We are one Member, or Members, of this committee not chairing it, not directing it, just being a part of it. Thank you.