Mr. Chairman, the negotiations are not over. In fact, last week, the issue was brought up again by officials, and we have indicated that if the wording met our concerns, and was agreed to as it once was, we would have no difficulty to agree to be a party to the agreement. Again, the Member has to agree that right now the Dene Nation, and the regions that it represents, has indicated that it is not taking a position on this package. I think we know the Metis have very strong support for the constitutional package, and at least informally, the indications are very, very strong that the Metis will support this package. I just do not think, in overall context, that I would be prone to support something, just because a few Members questioned my commitment to Metis rights. If I feel that my signing, and becoming a party to this accord would just give opposition from some of the Dene Chiefs, therefore the Dene Nation, then I am doing a great disservice to everybody, to take the high road, and say this is the way it has got to be. The fact is, as all the Members have said, we made incredible achievements for Metis people in this round. We have made achievements for all aboriginal people in this round, and whether, or not, this government is a signatore to this particular accord, I do not think in the great scheme of things it is going to make a bit of difference, except that it could lead to a lot of detractors using it for ammunition, and that I am not willing to provide.
Stephen Kakfwi on Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on September 28th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 18: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
September 27th, 1992
Page 1134
See context to find out what was said next.