I will be commenting on the name and geographical area for the territory. First, a constitution must state the name and describe the geographical area of the new western territory. During our hearings there was overwhelming support for the principle that the new territory name should be taken from an aboriginal language. The commission recommended the selection process for the new territory's name decided on in phase II.

Foundations Of New Western Territory

Secondly, there was general support for the principle that a western constitution should affirm our collective identity and aspirations. Therefore, we recommended that a constitution should contain a preamble which describes the peoples who inhabited and settled the territory, as well as a statement on the values which we all have in common.

The commission also believed that phase II should develop the statement which would identify the fundamental responsibility we individually and collectively have to each other, and the physical environment where we live.

The Fundamental New Rights And Social Charter

The commission gave particular attention to the principle that both individual and collective rights should be reflected in a constitution for the west. For example, we recommended that the rights and freedoms set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights should be re-affirmed. We recommended that more work be done in phase II on women's rights, seniors' rights, humans' rights, workers' rights and environmental rights. A major recommendation was made with respect to the need for a social charter which should include a statement of social principles and governments' obligation to achieve these principles.