Mr. Speaker, it has been understood by everyone who has been involved in this process that all the Dene/Metis communities are of the view that if it's possible to have it at the community level -- all powers, authority and responsibilities -- that's where it should be. If it makes sense to put their powers and responsibilities at the regional level, then that should be considered. The proposal itself is not out of line with what I think is going to be coming out of other regions. The thing, I think, that alarms some people is the fact that there is very little, if anything, mentioned for the role of a central government.

As I've said, there is mention of some powers that will be assumed to be left at a central government level. The rationale used in the paper suggests that if it's not efficient or convenient to leave it at the regional or community level, it will reside at the central level. The discussions have not reached a stage where people have been convinced that any substantial amount of power, roles or responsibility should be exercised at the central level. They haven't objected to it, they just haven't been convinced of it and the discussion hasn't reached that level yet.

I think that's the element for concern, but I think most of those who have seen their paper and the proposal and have talked to them, are convinced that logic and common sense will prevail since the communities are in control of this. The bigger concern that some of us have is the absence of any collective strategy, at this time, and how to advance it. Thank you.