Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Antoine. While the division process will impact the west and Nunavut in different ways, there are common elements both east and west that are useful to remember. We have a common interest in ensuring that our funding base is protected. We have a common interest in decision-making through a consensual process. We realize, both east and west, that fragmented we will accomplish nothing, but that together we can do remarkable things. We face many similar problems of protecting our aboriginal cultures and languages, of improving social and economic conditions in communities, of training a workforce with the skills required for the 21st century. We face great challenges, but believe that we can meet those challenges.

The special joint committee has also given attention to some of the legislative and constitutional implications of division. Although existing territorial laws will continue in force in each territory after division, there will be a need for separate statutory consolidations. In addition, it is important that both Nunavut and the western territory receive representation in the Senate in accordance with Canadian constitutional precedent. While these issues may appear to be somewhat distant in time, they will be affected by decisions over the next 10 to 12 months.

The report of the special joint committee contains a number of recommendations to the Executive Council and others, based on our deliberations since February. As we have observed, we are entering into a period when critical decisions will be taken, and we must ensure that these decisions are carefully considered and in our fundamental best interests.

The recommendations of the special joint committee are in keeping with the assessment that is sketched above:

-we agree with the assessment of the NIC that the original date proposed for the federal Cabinet submission on Nunavut -- that is, March of 1995 -- is unrealistic and should be deferred, as suggested, to September;

-a consultative mechanism needs to be developed by the Government of the NWT to allow individual departments to provide advice to the NIC;

-all government departments need to begin now to develop comprehensive implementation plans for division;

-training strategies, both for Nunavut and the western territory, are required and incremental funding must be identified for training and human resources development;

-Mr. Speaker, the business incentive policy must be applied to Nunavut infrastructure, and the responsibility for the management of infrastructure construction should be transferred to the Government of the NWT;

-funding options for the two territories require further consideration and discussions should be begun with the federal government on the recovery of incremental costs;

-a statute revision bill should be enacted at the next session of the Legislative Assembly to provide for the appointment of a Statute Revision Commissioner; and,

-the Executive Council should pursue the issue of Senate representation with the federal government to ensure that both Nunavut and the western territory are represented in the Senate of Canada after 1999.

Mr. Speaker, prior to proposing the motion for receiving the report of the Special Joint Committee on Division, our report is very lengthy, Mr. Speaker, therefore, I seek unanimous consent to consider the report read, as presented, and printed in Hansard.