Mr. Speaker, I don't take it upon myself to explain what the federal position is with regard to the negotiations. We have been pushing very, very hard to make sure that the federal government lives up to its red book commitments in delivering a new policy that would recognize the inherent right and come out with a clear policy at the earliest possible date. This would certainly clarify for everybody exactly what the mandate is for the federal negotiators when they sit down, and what the role of the Government of the Northwest Territories will be in those negotiations.

At this time, it is not clear at all what the status of the inherent right to self-government policy is with the federal government. The last I heard from the Minister's office is that, at best, he has a handful of speaking points to consider and it is nowhere near to having some recognizable shape or form. Having said that, it is our understanding that the federal government will continue to insist that under the present policy, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be part of the negotiations and it will be particularly important because we are negotiating self-government specifically with aboriginal groups in particular regions. The money and the programs that are involved are not in the hands of the federal government; they are presently in the hands of this government and it is our duty to make sure that the programs and services which are being negotiated do not unduly undermine the quality of service that is presently provided or undermine the quality and level of service provided to other citizens of the Northwest Territories who are not a party to these negotiations. Thank you.