Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my thoughts and opinion on the present political situation in Quebec. Madam Speaker, as you know, the Parti Quebecois with its separatist agenda was recently elected. This does not bode well with the territories, Madam Speaker.

With the creation of Nunavut and the necessity of formulating a valid and workable constitution here in the western Arctic, we as politicians have enough on our plates without the federal government being distracted during the upcoming sovereignty vote in Quebec. I guess what I am saying, Madam Speaker, is that I am concerned that the federal government will put the needs and aspirations of northern Canadians on hold while they deal with the Quebec situation.

Also, Madam Speaker, as an aboriginal person, I am very concerned about the horrible record the Parti Quebecois has in dealing with Quebec natives. Madam Speaker, what will happen if Quebec does decide to separate? We will still be required, by law, to provide services in French. Or can we concentrate our efforts on providing services in aboriginal languages? How would separation affect our language funding from Ottawa? Would we lose the money? Would there ever be any money available?

Madam Speaker, as everyone here knows, I have long advocated the responsibility of aboriginal languages, particularly the teaching of one's mother tongue should be the responsibility of aboriginal organizations and not the government. With no funding from any level of government, it would be impossible for my people to attain our goal. A tough question indeed, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, in the coming years there is much to be done politically in the Northwest Territories. It would be the job of the Premier to ensure that the political goals and aspirations of the residents of the Northwest Territories do not end up on the back burner while Ottawa deals with the Quebec situation. Mahsi cho.

---Applause