Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to preface my remarks by saying that I have a lot of appreciation for this document that was produced, Footprints 2. I believe it is a very concise document and I think that the people of Nunavut should be proud of the work that has gone into it and the staff and the team that they have brought together to produce and approve this document. A couple of minor concerns I have with them and one of my main concerns with the division of the NWT is, what happens with our employees?

We have employees with a wealth of background and experience. As we look towards division, we have been talking about dividing the assets and liabilities of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Without question, Mr. Chairman, the most valuable assets this government have are not the buildings and the vehicles. The most valuable assets are the people who work for this government and the corporate memory which they bring to the programs and services. We cannot replace their knowledge of how these programs and services have evolved over time. To better meet the needs of all northerners, if we really want both new territories to get off to a good start, our people are the best things we can share with the two new governments.

In previous transfers, we have always recognized the value of transferring employees along with the programs and the knowledge they bring with them. This was certainly the case in the transfer of health and forestry from the federal governments. The people of Nunavut are showing an appreciation of that corporate knowledge by suggesting that there must be opportunities for the existing employees working in Nunavut. These are the people they know. And they have an appreciation for their work. The headquarters employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories also have valuable background and knowledge that will be a benefit to the people of both new governments. Just as we are willing to share the expertise of organizations like the Worker's Compensation and the Power Corporation, we are also willing to share the expertise of the headquarters employees.

We know that the politicians provide the direction for any government. The headquarters employees will do an excellent job of carrying out the policies and direction of which ever new government they happen to be working for. Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut members of this House have had the chance to work with many headquarters employees. I am sure if someone was to survey these members, they would find that the Nunavut members appreciate the efforts of these employees and their efforts and abilities. These members can recognize the valuable contribution the GNWT headquarters employees could make to establishing Nunavut. Some suggest that there will be a blood bath over the division of assets and liabilities. The fact is, Mr. Chairman, when we look at this question in greater detail, there is and will not be anything to fight over. As regards formula financing, as long as this new western territory as it is at the table, along with the government representative, the Government of the Northwest Territories represented by Mr. Todd, and reps from Nunavut, I see no problem in that regard either. Mr. Chairman, I support Nunavut in their desire to form their own government and as I say with the reservations and concerns I have in the dealing with employees and how both new territories will be funded, I would wish Nunavut all the very best and in the forming of their new territory. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.