Thank you, Madam Speaker. During the April 1994 strategic planning workshop in Fort Smith, Members of this Legislative Assembly in Caucus directed the Premier and I to take steps which would provide clarification on the federal government's policies as they relate to the implementation of aboriginal government and the evolution of public government in the Northwest Territories.
More specifically, Caucus directed that the Premier and I seek this clarification directly from the Prime Minister and the Minister of DIAND, not only on behalf of the west but also because of the implications these would have on the future of Nunavut.
During the course of the summer, the Premier raised this matter with the Prime Minister on two occasions, including in a First Ministers' meeting in July and the second time when she met privately with the Prime Minister on August 21st during the course of the royal visit.
The need for clarification was also raised by the Premier or myself on three separate meetings with Minister Irwin. I should also note that the federal and territorial officials have collaborated over the last few months to determine if the DIAND Minister is in a position to make a statement as opposed to writing a letter, on the evolution of public and aboriginal government in the west.
Recently, Minister Irwin indicated he would be prepared to make a broad statement which provides principles and clarification of federal policies as requested in Fort Smith, and that he would be prepared to deliver this statement before the Legislative Assembly. It should be noted that the Minister has also been encouraged to use his remarks to reaffirm the federal commitment to the creation of Nunavut by April 1999. Members should also be aware that the Minister has committed to meeting with the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, given the implications which the principles and clarifications in his remarks could have for the upcoming constitutional conference and a new western territory.
I urge Members to support this motion. The Premier and I have responded to the best of our ability over the last few months. We believe that Minister Irwin addressing the Assembly gives us and the public an excellent opportunity to receive first-hand response to some of the issues which were raised during the Fort Smith strategic planning workshop, and to have these remarks on the public record. Thank you.