Madam Speaker, the continuing negotiations with the federal government have taken up a lot of time for myself and other Ministers responsible for various areas on the issues or the outstanding programs that presently rest with the federal government which could be handled by the territorial government. This has been an ongoing, continuous dialogue between the federal government and ourselves, and then, subsequently, the officials' level. So there isn't a week that goes by that we aren't trying to reconcile how we can move in getting those devolution programs implemented.
As the Member is probably aware, this is a very frustrating exercise. Even though the Prime Minister of Canada made a very strong and direct message, and gave that very direct message, there are still a lot of processes that work against a quick and efficient evolution in trying to get that process in place, and trying to get the multitude of people from various departments who have a vested interested in Ottawa to start to make some positive moves rather than finding out all the reasons why they cannot do something.
So it's been a continuing process. I've discussed this at various times with the Prime Minister. I intend to discuss it again while we're on the trip to China. And, at the same time, we are trying to live up to some of the commitments or the criteria and guidelines that Minister Irwin has put down, that we have to try, as best as possible -- particularly in oil and gas and mining -- to have a working arrangement with all the aboriginal groups of the Northwest Territories so that we can take the next step. We're trying very hard to do that, as well. This is an ongoing dialogue and we are trying to pursue it as effectively as we can, Madam Speaker.