It is a significant day for all residents of the Northwestern Territories. With the release of the draft constitutional package. On behalf of the members of Nunavut Caucus and of all residents in Nunavut, I would like to congratulate members of the Constitutional Working Group on their successful partnership and tireless efforts which have resulted in the draft constitutional package for consideration by the people of the soon to be new Western Territory.
In Nunavut, we know the importance of all people working together to achieve a common goal. It is through similar partnership that we are working towards our goal of creating Nunavut in 1999. It takes cooperation and compromise from all parties to reach agreement on something as important as constitution.
Mr. Speaker, people in Western Territory have always been supportive in our desire for the creation of Nunavut. Now it is time for the people of Nunavut to show support for their neighbours in the west.
Mr. Speaker, April 1, 1999, is now less than 900 days away and time is of the essence. Residents of the east and the west can not afford to lose any more time. It is critical that both territories get off on the right foot.
Mr. Speaker, the release of the Draft Constitution Package is an important step for people in the west and we at the east wish them great success. People in the Northwest Territories have a history of working together and I am sure that this spirit of cooperation will continue after 1999. Thank you Mr. Speaker.