Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I spoke in the House about my concern, about the transitive programs, and services, from the federal government to the G.N.W.T.
Recent decisions of the federal government have made it clear that they are increasing their efforts to axe programs and services in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, this trend, and our government's apparent inability to negotiate adequate fiscal terms, for the delivery of transfer programs, causes me a great deal of concern, in light of the new constitutional package.
I am a strong supporter of the constitutional package. There should be no mistake about that. On October 26, I will vote "yes". However, a great many elements of the package, that are critical to the north, are being left for discussions in future First Ministers' conferences.
This causes me further concern when I see that several things were put in the package, and others were left out. For instance, the constitutional package provides for a decentralization of powers. It identifies sectors such a labour market training, culture, mining, and housing, as matters within exclusive provincial jurisdictions. This provision leads the way for the Northwest Territories to take over these programs, if we are ready. However, frameworks for funding for these programs, are very much up in the air. Federal spending was not protected in areas such as job creation programs.
Mr. Speaker, these are not minor details. Another crucial area still to be finalized, is the development of a so-called Canada common market. However, the proposed accord could clearly destroy our Northern Preference Policy. The Government Leader says she is hopeful that the First Ministers will come around on this issue, but by the time this is discussed October 26 will have passed us all by.
Mr. Speaker, we should not have allowed these outstanding items to be placed on the back burner. These constitutional questions require hard thought, and positive action, on the part of our territorial leadership. We need to see a territorial framework for further discussions and negotiations, and we need to see it brought before this House for discussion. Thank you.