Mr. Speaker, I have had this discussion with the aboriginal groups. It is the position of this government that we must be a separate party from the federal government on self-government negotiations. At this time, that is our position. We feel that we are presently funded and mandated to deliver programs and services and the public would expect and demand that the quality of service that we deliver must be protected in the course of negotiations. So we must have a direct hand in those areas in the course of negotiations that affect our present responsibilities; jurisdiction, you might say. I have advised the aboriginal groups and, as far as I know, no one has denied them their supposed bilateral relations with the federal government. For those subject matters that are exclusive to them, there is no argument from us and we feel they should have bilateral discussions. But for those areas that affect programs and services and responsibilities currently under the territorial government, we must be there. We believe the aboriginal people in the communities will understand, support and respect that position

If it is the unanimous view of all the aboriginal groups that, in fact, they want us to be part of the federal government or not in the room at all, I would be prepared to accept that and bring it to Cabinet, as well, for their consideration. But, in my view, it would not lead to expedient negotiations and it would impede any type of progress since the mechanism of negotiations would change dramatically. There will be, in any case, consultation between the federal government and ourselves and it would slow down what, otherwise, could be very dynamic and progressive negotiations. Thank you.