Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, these decisions should not be made solely in government offices and boardrooms. I applaud the Minister's commitment to meeting with the Standing Committee on Finance for discussions on implications created by Mr. Martin's budget. I trust he will listen carefully to the views expressed not only by the committee but also by all honourable Members of this House. However, I will call on him to go even further and establish a consultation strategy that will allow community leaders, chiefs, mayors, aboriginal organizations, business people, chambers of commerce, social agencies and others in the community to become involved in our fiscal planning.

Mr. Speaker, it has been pointed out that the budgetary measures announced yesterday will reflect a fundamental change in the way federal and provincial governments operate in Canada. We have one year to prepare ourselves for this transformation in government relationships. In setting the Northwest Territories course for responding to this fundamental change, I believe it is essential to hear directly from the people who are affected and I will be urging our Minister of Finance to establish a broad and effective consultation process in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause