Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Constitutional Working Group for all the time and effort they have put towards the presentation of this Draft Constitutional Proposal. It should be noted, however, that this is only a draft proposal for discussion purposes only, and that the document in question still requires endorsement of each individual Aboriginal group.
Mr. Speaker, my statement today has more to do with the ratification process. In a recent western caucus meeting, a member of this Cabinet strongly suggested that the ratification process may not be a plebiscite of one man - one vote, but rather block voting by the concerned groups on the name for the new territory. This option was again voiced in the recent Constitutional Development Steering Committee in regards to the ratification of the constitution in total.
I also have here, Mr. Speaker, a memo from the chair of the Western Caucus suggesting a meeting on options for ratification of the new constitution.
Mr. Speaker, this Government and this country as a whole, has in place an accepted form of ratification called the public plebiscite, and I for one will not even consider any other form of ratification than one man - one vote. This issue of Division of this territory was decided in this manner. It follows that ratification of the constitution of the new territory should follow the same pattern.
Mr. Speaker, I would not support funding of the ratification process, other than the normal and accepted form. I would also not support funding at the Constitutional Working Group, as this group will be touring the communities for the following reasons:
1. The group would be seen and perceived as the group responsible for selling this proposal to the public.
2. That in these times of restraint financing... Mr. Speaker, I would request unanimous consent to finish my statement.