Mr. Speaker, it has always been the view of the Government of the Northwest Territories that the people of the north, particularly the aboriginal people, should be, in the first instance, the decision makers in regard to the way in which water is used and managed in the Northwest Territories. There should be some assurance given by neighbouring jurisdictions about the water that flows into our water systems, that some assurance be given as to the quality, and that there is good management upstream from us.
Unfortunately, it is true that it is the federal government residing in Ottawa that is still, for all intents and purposes, the owners and the managers of land and water in the Northwest Territories. Yes, it is our view that, at the earliest occasion, we should, with the support of aboriginal people, seek to have the jurisdiction for inland waters transferred to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.