Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Over the course of the past few years there has been a tremendous amount of work done in the area of land claims in this particular jurisdiction. There has been a lot of frustration on the part of people, a lot of discussion on land claims, and there has been some joy and celebration. This is due to the different types of land claims in this current jurisdiction and the diversity and the
different kinds of people living in this area. There are Dene, Inuit, regional groups, et cetera, who all want to have their own little deal with the government.
There's nothing wrong with different kinds of people with different backgrounds who want to have their own claims. I'm not going to dispute that. It is up to the people. According to my understanding, Mr. Kakfwi has been involved from the outset, for the past 20 years or more. I think the jurisdiction is very sensitive to the different people. I think we have been more understanding than not. Mr. Kakfwi is himself of aboriginal descent. He has been very instrumental in the area of the Nunavut land claims settlement. On behalf of the people of Nunavut, Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the Minister for a job well done. Although everyone is not satisfied in the area, the majority of people are satisfied with the claim that will be a reality in 1999.
Mr. Chairman, I think we are very lucky that there has been no blood spilled in this jurisdiction over disputed boundaries. There is no jurisdiction in this world that has settled land claims without having to fight with weapons of war over the area of land. So, I would like to commend the Minister for a job well done, especially from my area. Thank you.