Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to table, Tabled Document 24-12(4), a document titled, Reshaping Government in the Western Arctic. As I told Members earlier today, this proposal describes the creation of a regional government in the western Arctic. This draft proposal was developed by the Gwich'in Tribal Council and Inuvialuit Regional Council after extensive consultation with western Arctic communities.
The principles and concepts contained in the proposal were unanimously endorsed at a regional leaders' conference on November 20. This regional leaders' conference was attended by representatives of the eight municipal governments in the region, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and hunters' and trappers' committee.
The proposal will now be further refined by a committee representing the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and the municipalities. The people of the Beaufort/Delta believe that regional government will allow residents to better realize their common values and aspirations to achieve more effective and responsible government. The regional government will also result in superior government programs and services and maximize community and regional decision-making.
Mr. Speaker, the concept of a regional government is not a new or unique idea. Regional governments exist across Canada, with regional municipalities, counties or other political entities. Members should note that this proposal has been endorsed by the people of the region, through their community governments and aboriginal organizations. This is the first time that a detailed proposal for reshaping government for this region has been endorsed by the Inuvialuit, the Gwich'in and the municipal governments.
Representatives from these organizations will continue to develop this proposal and will table it in constitutional discussions. The people of the western Arctic wish to inform Members of the Assembly they are committed to working with the current constitutional development process in the Northwest Territories. We believe the presentation of this proposal will advance these discussions.
Mr. Speaker, Members should note that the Beaufort and Mackenzie Delta communities will soon seek the support of this Legislature, and the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, for the initiatives and principles contained in this regional government proposal.
Mr. Speaker, the proposal I'm tabling today is in recognition of this fact and is a positive contribution to political development in the Northwest Territories. Mahsi. Qujannamiik.