Mr. Chairman, when I first had an opportunity to review the proposed motion 59-12(2), I had no particular problem with the motion. However, I can indicate to you that the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Aboriginal Rights and Constitutional Development indicated to the House, that there was a process in the western Arctic, western Northwest Territories, that allowed for the aboriginal leadership, along with representatives from this Assembly, including the Minister, that worked out an approach in the western Northwest Territories.
Now, I also wanted to say that it was not my intention, in any way, to stand in the way of the communities and the people, and the representatives from the Nunavut area. I think that they feel comfortable in dealing with Municipal and Community Affairs and, as such, I think that I want to support that.
I want to say to my colleagues, that they were supportive of the initiative that was taken by the aboriginal leadership in the western Northwest Territories and accepted the amendments that had been proposed. I also want to say, that I had an opportunity to speak to my colleagues in this House, and I know that some of them have raised concerns.
I know that, for instance, Mr. Antoine has made it clear that there are concerns. Every other Member, Mr. Koe, Mr. Gargan, Mrs. Marie-Jewell, Mr. Zoe, have all made it clear that there were concerns. Now, in dealing with the motion, it was necessary to ensure that aboriginal people in the west were respected in terms of the process that they were embarking upon, and that it was not our intention, in any way, to reduce the ability of every community or every aboriginal organization, or for that matter, any organization, to pursue what they felt was in their interest in developing constitutional development in the context of what they thought was in the interest of their community or region.
I think that this will move the process further ahead, rather than stop it, and I hope that it will accommodate, I believe it will accommodate, the initiative of the Minister in the western Northwest Territories, including moving ahead with the creation of Nunavut, and accommodating the residents of the Nunavut area. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.