Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to open my statement by complimenting members of the Constitutional Working Group for the time and effort they have devoted to drafting a Constitution Package. This committee was assigned a daunting task. They were asked to design a form of government that blends Aboriginal institutions with parliamentary democracy. They were given about four months to do it. Given the mandate, I believe their model takes important steps towards achieving the goals of combining public government and self government. Having said that, I also believe this package is going to cause much debate. I know many of my constituents will find the ideas in the document adventurous.
Mr. Speaker, the time to review this draft is restricted. I encourage citizens and groups of citizens to become involved in the dialogue. We need participation and we need consensus. The stakes are too high to allow the politicians sole ownership of the process. In the coming weeks and months, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure the voices from Yellowknife centre are not lost. I want my constituents to be heard and I want to make their opinions count as we finalize the package. Finally, I want to be sure everyone has a chance to vote on the final draft in a plebiscite.
Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying I am heading into this process with an open mind and open ears. I will be taking directions from my constituents. Thank you Mr. Speaker.