Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS Premiers representing all provinces and territories except for Quebec, met in Calgary on September 14, 1997 to consider the implications of another Quebec sovereignty referendum on national unity and how the Canadian federation can be strengthened;

AND WHEREAS Premiers agreed that the provincial and territorial residents must have an opportunity to provide their views on strengthening the Canadian federation and Quebec sovereignty before governments can finalize their plans to deal with the national unity issues;

AND WHEREAS Premiers have agreed on a framework for consultation and discussion on national unity issues, as well as guidelines for approach for public consultation in each province and territory;

AND WHEREAS the framework for the consultation process will provide an opportunity for NWT residents to affirm and recognize aboriginal Canadians as a fundamental characteristic of Canada; to reinforce the status of territories as a legitimate partner in confederation and have to say how the Canadian federation can be strengthened;

AND WHEREAS it is expected that provincial and territorial Premiers and the Prime Minister will be discussing national unity issues when the meet in November with national aboriginal leaders, in December when they meet to discuss social policy reform, and in January before the Team Canada trade mission to South America;

AND WHEREAS each provincial and territorial Legislative Assembly is committed to passing a resolution on national unity and strengthening the Canadian federation on its public consultation process at an appropriate time during the next year;

AND WHEREAS the NWT Government and Legislative Assembly have effectively worked together in the past to advance Northwest Territories' interests in national unity and constitutional reform talks;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha that this Assembly establish a special committee to be named the Special Committee on National Unity.

And at this point in time, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to deem the resolution portion of the motion read and printed.