Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, western MLAs clearly have an obligation and responsibility to make sure pieces are in place for the western public government after division. The Minister for western transition has outlined the process western Members have agreed to. On the request of the public, the constitutional process is moving along at a slower pace to allow for greater community consultation. In the meantime, we will be taking all the steps necessary to make sure services and programs for the public are unaffected on April 1, 1999, and beyond.
Mr. Speaker, the western government is in good shape. Our government structures already exist and are functioning. Our programs and services are already highly decentralized. In the west, we are also active at the financial tables dealing with formula financing and the division of assets and liabilities. Even in Yellowknife, there is an opportunity of shared services which will help mitigate the impact of division upon the capital.
Division is an opportunity. Good things are ahead for the west. We just have to make sure we are ready to take advantage of them. The document that will be tabled later today is only an update in the efforts to let people of the west know what work is currently under way. It is part of the many steps that we will have to take in the coming months and part of the ongoing communication that is going to be essential for the people of the west.
The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is that most people in the west should not notice the impact of division on their daily lives. Levels of programs and services should not be effected. It is critical that the federal government needs to fulfil its obligation in the creation of two new territories, and it is up to us to get the pieces in place for division. The nuts and bolts issues are critical for success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.