Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The proposal maximizes legislative authority in the region, improves the quality of government programs and secures a strong future for the region in a new western territory.
Mr. Speaker, the reshaping of government institutions in the western Arctic can be achieved either through the western constitutional process, self-government negotiations undertaken by the Gwich'in and the Inuvialuit, or a combination of both. I can assure Members that the people of the region are committed to the western constitutional process and are hopeful that it reaches a successful conclusion.
The Constitutional Development Steering Committee process is under way and there should be no difficulty in incorporating this proposal into the work of the committee so that a western Arctic regional government will be compatible with the future structure of a western territorial government. However, I must also point out that the people of the western Arctic know what they want, in terms of restructuring public government, and may pursue any number of measures to achieve their goals.
The Gwich'in, Inuvialuit and municipal governments acknowledge that the reshaping of public government in the west, and the formation of a regional government, must coincide with the establishment of a Nunavut government in the east. This regional government will be governed by a regional council of elected community representatives.
Each member community will elect one regional councillor. Two additional regional councillors and a mayor will be elected at large. In this way, the needs of the communities and the needs of the region can be represented. In this proposal, Mr. Speaker, community governments are recognized as paramount. Communities will also judge this proposal when residents vote, in community by community plebiscites, to opt into the regional government.
The intent of this proposal is not to isolate the western Arctic, but to create new relationships. Just as the people of the western Arctic share common goals and values, residents of the region also share a relationship with the people and institutions that make up the remainder of the Northwest Territories. The creation of regional government will not impair this relationship. The challenge is to create a regional government that can enjoy a complementary relationship with a central government.
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, let me remind Members that the Northwest Territories is already regionalized. The administration of this government is based on regions. Regions are also defined by geography, language and culture and there are regionally-based land claim agreements.
The Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and municipalities realize that other people across the western Northwest Territories may be interested in this proposal. They have indicated to me that they are prepared to make presentations to any interested parties to explain the proposal. Mahsi. Qujannamiik.
---Applause