Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Wednesday, October 8, 1997, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that this Assembly establish a special committee to be named Special Committee on National Unity and further that, notwithstanding rule 88(2), the Special Committee on National Unity shall consist of six members and, furthermore that the following members be appointed to the Special Committee on National Unity: The Honourable Don Morin, The Honourable Jim Antoine, The Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Mr. Roy Erasmus, Mrs. Jane Groenewegen and Mr. John Ningark.
Further, that the terms of reference for the Special Committee on National Unity be established as follows:
1. The themes that will serve as the basis for the Special Committee's consultation with the residents of the Northwest Territories a) ensuring that principals and resolutions reflect the concerns of Canadians for their well-being and the future of their children including social policy renewal, health care and youth; b) securing a meaningful role for aboriginal leaders in the national unity process; c) recognition that Canada includes both territories and provinces and that the territories must be included in the national unity and reform within the federation processes.
2. Oversee and monitor a Northwest Territories' consultation process during the fall/early winter of 1997 which will include consultation by members with their constituents through constituency meetings, questionnaires and a toll free, electronic mail or web site communications.
3. Provide strategic advice on the range of consultative mechanisms which Members can use to obtain reaction from their constituents recognizing that the NWT constitution development agenda is already overloaded in terms of creation of two new territories and self-government issues.
4. Ensure that Members and NWT residents are provided with regular updates and analysis and the national consultation process with particular reference to how aboriginal and Northwest Territories issues are being addressed.
5. Prepare a report based on consultations and including written submissions for this Assembly to consider at a special session which may be convened in December, 1997
And furthermore the Special Committee on National Unity shall: a) conduct its business in a manner approved by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules of the Legislative Assembly; b) be provided with the necessary administrative and professional support by the Legislative Assembly and the GNWT: c) be in power to retain the services of such professional staff and advisors as deemed advisable by the Committee; and d) be provided the necessary funds to carry out its responsibilities from the appropriations of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be seeking unanimous consent to proceed with this motion today.