Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to announce that the settlement corporation of Fort Good Hope will become a charter community on April 1, 1995 and will be known as K'asho Got'ine. Fort Good Hope is the third community to become a charter community under the Charter Communities Act. The words "K'asho Got'ine," Mr. Speaker, is North Slavey for "Big Willow People."
Mr. Speaker, many individuals from the community were involved in achieving charter community status for Fort Good Hope. I particularly wish to commend Chief Isidore Manuel, along with members of his council, and Mr. Everett Kakfwi for their dedication and hard work in leading the community to achieve this goal.
The community charter developed by the settlement council and approved by the residents of the community is very progressive. The community charter allows council to enact a variety of by-laws provided for within the Charter Communities Act; however, a provision has been provided that permits council to seek the approval of the band assembly prior to voting on any motion or making any by-law. Mr. Speaker, this is truly an example of public participation in local government decision-making and an example of the flexibility for community government provided for under the Charter Communities Act.
I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, to advise the Members of this House that the community charter of Fort Good Hope also adopts the provision of zero tolerance of violence against people. The charter requires that community council members conduct themselves in accordance with the zero tolerance declaration or risk being removed from council. Again, this provision is very progressive of the community.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs continues to offer assistance to community councils who wish to explore the options available for becoming a charter community. As a further example of the department's support to interested communities, I am pleased to announce that the residents of Deline recently approved amendments to their community charter. These amendments allow for the number of appointed members to increase from four to five; change the name of "The Council" to the "Deline Dene Council;" and recognize that the band is known as the "Deline Dene Band."
Mr. Speaker, as Members will note, this department continues to place a priority on assisting in the political development of community governments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause