Thank you. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to be able to share good news with all of you today. When I tabled the community transfer initiative implementation plan in November of 1992, I said that the first major transfer would take place on April 1, 1994. I believe we have met the target date.

We are about to implement two very important community transfer agreements. Both Cape Dorset and Inuvik have invested a great deal of time and effort in moving toward greater control over programs and services which affect the daily lives of community residents. The vision of these

community leaders paves the way for home-grown solutions to the many diverse and evolving issues facing the north today.

The hamlet of Cape Dorset has entered into a very comprehensive transfer agreement. As of April 1, the hamlet will be responsible for economic development, social services, public works and housing. The community's desire for increased control dates back to the hamlet turnovers in the early 1980s. The community transfer initiative has provided the hamlet with a vehicle to realize their long-standing aspirations.

The Inuvik transfer is particularly unique because all three community government authorities have worked together as a team in their pursuit of community control. The town, band council, the community corporation and the Inuvialuit, will all be responsible for setting their own rules for lotteries and will become more involved in economic development. Through a transfer framework agreement, both the tripartite committee and the government have committed to negotiate further transfers in 1994-95.

Clearly, both of these transfers are the result of a team effort. Without the dedication and commitment by Ministers Don Morin, John Pollard, Rebecca Mike, John Todd, Richard Nerysoo and the staff of the departments of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Social Services, Personnel, Economic Development and Tourism, Public Works and Services, Safety and Public Services, the Financial Management Board Secretariat and the NWT Housing Corporation, it would have been impossible to get to where we are today.

In the face of many other critical issues, my colleagues have made it a priority to respond to community requests for increased autonomy. Based on the considerable interests expressed by communities, and the interest in the requests we anticipate as a result of these agreements, our ongoing commitment will be required.

When I met with the Cape Dorset hamlet council in February, we agreed that all the issues will probably not be resolved by the April 1 implementation date. Both parties will have to take a leap of faith and trust in each other's commitment and capability to resolve matters such as wage parity, overhead costs, capital funding and retention of surpluses. I'm confident that a continued spirit of cooperation will ensure timely resolution of these and other matters.

Under the terms of the agreements, Ministers remain accountable in some areas and the agreements outline minimum standards and rules which the community must follow. Departments will continue to have contact with the communities through both regional and headquarters offices, to ensure that programs are delivered in accordance with minimum standards. Departments will also continue to provide technical and special assistance when required. The agreements will be reviewed on an annual basis and a process for the future evaluation of the community transfer initiative is being developed.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud that we, as a government, had the vision to provide the means for community control through the community transfer initiative. I'm particularly pleased with the positive support and assistance received from the MLA for Inuvik, Mr. Koe, and the MLA for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat. Mahsi.

---Applause