(Translation) Before we begin, I ask Members to offer their prayers for John Todd and his family. As many of you might have heard, Mr. Todd's son, Ian, died tragically this past weekend. I also ask Members to join me in sending best wishes to Mr. Antoine and his family. Mr. Antoine's father is doing well after a successful operation last week. On your behalf, I thank Amber LeMouel for her beautiful singing of O Canada, also the Detah Drummers.

Welcome back Members to this special session of the Assembly. If Members will permit, I want to make a few remarks about the significance of the debate which you will be having today. Over the last 30 years, Canadians have had to deal with difficult situations where the unity of this country and its future have been threatened. These pressures go beyond what Canadians have come to expect when governments or people do not agree on a particular problem, and it takes time to work out a solution.

In the recent past, some Canadians have expressed their doubts about whether it is worthwhile to keep a united Canada, made up of all provinces and territories, including Quebec. On the other hand, on the eve of the October, 1995, Quebec sovereignty referendum, there were thousands of Canadians who took the opposite view and expressed their love for this country. Today Members will have the opportunity to debate a report and resolution on national unity.

I understand that Members have carefully considered the Calgary framework and have consulted with their constituents on how improvements could be made to reflect the interests and status of the Northwest Territories and its aboriginal peoples. I look forward to the debate on how Members believe a resolution from this Assembly should be worded and (Translation ends) what its objectives should be from a territorial and aboriginal perspective. I would also encourage Members to use this debate to state their views and the views of their constituents on what it means to be a Canadian. This is just as important because we all need to take time now and then to reflect upon the diversity, compassion, generosity and potential of this country and how fortunate we are to be Canadians, despite our problems. Canadians across the north and, eventually in the south, will be viewing this debate which is the first on any jurisdiction in Canada. I know Members will take this large viewing audience into account when making sincere and eloquent statements about national unity and this great country of Canada.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to stand down orders of the day to enable the House to engage in a special debate on national unity with order being reports of standing and special committees followed by motions and further that Rule 44 be waived for the National Unity Motion. And furthermore, Mr. Speaker, upon the question being called and the vote taken on the resolution on national unity that the House then revert back to the orders of the day and proceed with routine orders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The Premier is seeking unanimous consent to stand down the orders of the day to enable the House to engage in a special debate on national unity, the orders being reports of standing and special committees followed by motions. And further, that Rule 44 be waived for the National Unity Motion and further, upon question being called and vote taken on the resolution on the national unity that the House then reverts back to the orders of the day and proceed with the routine orders. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Morin, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to present the Report of your Special Committee on National Unity.

Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 1997, the Premiers of all provinces and territories, except Quebec, met in Calgary to discuss measures which could be taken to promote national unity and the strength of Canadian federation. The meeting was prompted, in part, by a concern about yet another Quebec referendum on separation and the implications which secession could have for Canada.

Premiers unanimously agreed that the first and most important step was to conduct grassroots consultations with their constituents to determine their views on national unity and strengthening the federation, including the issue of Quebec's status within a united Canada.

Premiers also agreed on a seven point framework to help focus the consultations, although provinces and territories were given the opportunity of including additional topics and issues to accurately represent their constituents' interests and circumstances. Guidelines for consultation were also adopted. (Appendix 4)

Mr. Speaker, following consultations in their respective jurisdictions, Premiers agreed that they would have a debate on the results and a resolution which reflects the views of their constituents on national unity and strengthening the federation as laid out in the Calgary consultation framework with revisions to reflect special issues of interests.

In response to the commitment made on behalf of the Northwest Territories in Calgary on September 14th, the Legislative Assembly established a Special Committee on National Unity to oversee and monitor a Northwest Territories, consultation process, provide updates and analysis on the national consultation process, prepare a report on Northwest Territories' consultations and recommend a resolution for consideration by the Legislative Assembly.

The purpose of this report, Mr. Speaker, is to provide the Legislative Assembly and Northwest Territories' residents with information on how consultations were conducted in the Northwest Territories, the results of these consultations and recommendations on how the Legislative Assembly can express the position of the Northwest Territories through a National Unity Resolution.

The report also provides some background on national unity consultation initiative, including the latest account of what is taking place in other jurisdictions, how aboriginal interests are being taken into account and the role of the Northwest Territories in previous national unity and constitutional reform initiatives.

The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly is the first in Canada to receive a report on national unity consultations and debate a National Unity Resolution.

Mr. Speaker, it is the special committee's intention to allow Members of the committee to present parts of our report. To that end I will now hand over to the Member for Hay River, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Madam Groenewegen. In developing an approach to consultation on the Calgary framework with the Northwest Territories residents and the aboriginal leaders in both the east and the west, the special committee has taken into account a number of factors. For example, Northwest Territories' residents are already being consulted on a wide variety of measures relating to creation of two new territories and aboriginal issues like claims, treaty entitlement and self-government. A comprehensive national unity consultation campaign may only have served to make an already complex environment more confusing.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the special committee has to take into account the costs associated with an elaborate campaign at a time when program and service funding is being reduced as well as the schedules and priorities of the Legislative Assembly and Members at this crucial time leading up to the creation of two new territories. With this background in mind, the special committee recommended that MLAs should take the lead role in consulting their constituents on national unity and strengthening the federation. MLAs were provided with an information kit to help in their consultations and a questionnaire was advertised in papers. MLAs were encouraged to hold public meetings to obtain input.

Mr. Speaker, in addition, the special committee made arrangements for constituents to send their comments and questionnaire replies to the Legislative Assembly's toll free phone and fax numbers. Input could also be provided through an e-mail site and through regular mail. Finally a special national unity page was established on the Legislative Assembly's web site for information on the Calgary framework and the special committee.

Mr. Speaker, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Antoine was assigned responsibility for consultation with the NWT's aboriginal leadership. In addition to correspondence with Northwest Territories' aboriginal leaders, the Minister met with the Aboriginal Summit on November 12th and by conference call on November 26th. Deputy Premier Arlooktoo assisted Minister Antoine in consulting with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on November 28th.

Mr. Speaker, I would like now to ask the Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Erasmus, to assist with presenting this report. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Mr. Ningark. Replies to the special committee's questionnaire was one source of reaction from Northwest Territories' residents to the Calgary consultation framework. As replies continue to be sent to the special committee, the following provides a preliminary assessment of the input received to date.

In response to the question, "Overall, do you support the framework?", the majority provided qualified support as outlined below.

When asked, "What are the elements of the framework that you particularly like?", there was support for elements of points 1, 3 and 4 of the framework which make reference to equality of Canadians and equal rights; Canada's diversity, tolerance, compassion and equality of opportunity and Canada's diversity of peoples and cultures, languages and multiculturalism.

Reaction to the question, "Are there any elements in the framework that concern you?", focused on the need for stronger references to territories as a unique region of Canada and their role in the national unity process. A number of replies also expressed concern about the need for references to aboriginal peoples which reflect the historical and current realities of their status in Canada, including their rights and interests.

Other concerns expressed opposition to recognizing the unique characteristics of Quebec, the need for more emphasis on the social welfare of Canadians and that the end product of the consultation process may not produce meaningful change or progress.

Mr. Speaker, next, northern residents were asked, "Are there other elements that should be included?" The replies confirmed concerns raised about the need for more references to aboriginal peoples and the territories in a National Unity Resolution.

In response to the question, "Do you think the interests of northerners are reflected in this framework?", two-thirds of respondents said yes while a third said no. In interpreting these results it is important to note that most of the support for the Calgary framework was qualified, while most of those who opposed the framework felt that it needed some fundamental improvements.

The question, "What does it mean to you to be Canadian?", resulted in a wide range of replies from residents who both supported and rejected the Calgary framework. In addition to the characteristics stated in points 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the framework, replies made reference to Canada as a land of opportunity where there is freedom, freedom of expression and freedom from oppression; where Canada is the best place in the world to live because it is vibrant, healthy, tolerant, compassionate and diverse in its population; where Canada is respected by the rest of the world because of its generosity, sincerity and ability to be unified in one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world and because it is a nation which respects, honours and affirms aboriginal peoples' rights and institutions.

The questionnaire, Mr. Speaker, also asked, "Does the framework reflect aboriginal views and values on national identity? If not, how should these values be reflected?" In the replies received to date, the response is split. However, it is important to note that there is a general consensus among those who both support and reject the framework that aboriginal references need to be revised to reflect the historical and current status of aboriginal peoples in Canada, including their rights and interests.

Mr. Speaker, the special committee continues to receive replies to the questionnaire and will be preparing a more detailed review for presentation during the Legislative Assembly's session early in 1998.

Community meetings hosted by MLAs were another approach to collecting reaction to the Calgary consultation framework. Meetings were held in Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith. MLAs from these communities will provide more detailed accounts of their constituents' views in the debate on the special committee's report and its recommendation for a National Unity Resolution.

With respect to consultations with Northwest Territories aboriginal leaders, Minister Antoine was advised by the Aboriginal Summit that they considered the consultation and resolution process to be rushed. However, they provided some proposals for the content of a resolution. They also respected that this is a Legislative Assembly initiative and that western residents and organizations should express their views and concerns through their MLAs and the special committee. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated indicated their support for the resolution.

Overall, the special committee acknowledges that Northwest Territories' residents have not responded in large numbers to the national unity consultations. Nevertheless, the questionnaire replies and reaction at community meetings have provided an important contribution which has helped to confirm some of the special committee's concerns with the Calgary framework and provide direction on the approach to a Northwest Territories National Unity Resolution. The special committee will continue to monitor and assess more input which is expected in the future. Mr. Speaker, if you would permit I would hand over to the Member of Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Before I move on to Mr. Antoine I would like to recognize several students from Fort Providence who came here to listen to us. They have also had dinner with me and their teacher is Margaret Field. I believe they will be going back to Providence before it gets too dark. So, I just wanted to recognize them. Thanks for coming.

--Applause

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the special committee has developed its recommendations in response to the following considerations:

Northwest Territories' aboriginal leaders were unified in their belief that the reference to aboriginal peoples in the Calgary framework needs to be revised. References in the Calgary framework to the status of Canada's territories and their role in the national unity process need to be strengthened, especially with the impending establishment of Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, as the Legislative Assembly will be the first in Canada to adopt a resolution, the Northwest Territories' positions will be taken into account when the provinces and territories are preparing their national unity reports and resolutions.

The Calgary framework and resolutions adopted by the province and territorial legislatures will need to accurately reflect the spirit and intent of provisions of the Canadian Constitution respecting the rights and freedoms of Canada, the rights of aboriginal nations and the status of federal, provincial and territorial governments. An early response from the Legislative Assembly will also provide a strong message of support for aboriginal participation in the national unity process and the need for National Unity Resolutions which more accurately reflect the aboriginal characteristics of Canada, including aboriginal rights and interests.

The special committee anticipates that the profile of national unity consultations will increase as the provinces and aboriginal nations finalize their positions and debate resolutions. Mr. Speaker, it is too soon to predict what will take place after the process has been completed. However, the product could become the basis for an amendment to the Canadian Constitution relating to the status of Quebec within Canada and other measures which will promote national unity and strengthening the federation. As the debate on national unity and strengthening the federation unfolds in the coming months, it will be important for Northwest Territories' residents to know the Legislative Assembly's position.

A resolution by the Assembly will provide the Premier, Ministers and GNWT officials with the mandate they need in ongoing consultations with the federal government, provincial governments and aboriginal nations on measures required to promote national unity and strengthening the federation. For example, the Prime Minister and Premiers will be meeting on December 11th and 12th to consider reforms to Canada's social policies and programs. The special committee has identified the future of Canada's social safety net as a major factor in contributing to national unity and the strength of the federation.

Your special committee, Mr. Speaker, believes that its mandate is not concluded with the presentation of this report and consideration of a National Unity Resolution. As in previous national unity and constitutional reform rounds there will be further work required in monitoring how the national unity process unfolds in the coming months, reporting to the Assembly on developments and making recommendations on protecting and promoting the Northwest Territories' objectives. An early response by the Legislative Assembly will help guide the special committee's future work.

Based on these considerations, the special committee recommends the following:

Recommendation One

That the Legislative Assembly debate the National Unity Resolution contained in its report.

Recommendation Two

That the resolution serves as direction for the Premier, Ministers and GNWT officials in further deliberations on national unity and strengthening the federation involving the federal and provincial governments, Yukon and aboriginal nations.

Recommendation Three

That the mandate of the Special Committee on National Unity be extended for the purpose of monitoring the national unity process, keeping the Legislative Assembly informed and making recommendations on NWT participation and objectives in the process.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the special committee's recommendations to the Assembly and I would ask that the Chairman, Mr. Morin, conclude the report. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The following is the text of the National Unity Resolution recommended by the special committee.

WHEREAS all Canadians and their governments have a responsibility for preserving and promoting a strong and united Canada for the benefit of all Canadians in all regions from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic;

WHEREAS the peoples, lands and institutions of Canada's Northwest Territories, including the future territory of Nunavut, comprise a dynamic and vital region of Canada; WHEREAS efforts to promote and preserve national unity require the meaningful participation of all territorial governments in any processes directed at achieving unity;

WHEREAS the Northwest Territories' Legislative Assembly supports the negotiation and implementation of self-government for aboriginal peoples in the Northwest Territories and elsewhere in Canada, to secure their aboriginal and treaty rights and aboriginal peoples' full participation within the Canadian federation;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories has a unique character and status within the federation and expects a fair and equal opportunity to achieve the status of a full partner within the federation on equitable terms as referred to in the Quebec Resolutions of 1864 and the London Resolutions of 1866.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories supports all efforts to secure the commitment of the people of all provinces and territories to the unity of Canada in accordance with the principles set out below:

1. The aboriginal peoples of Canada, being the first peoples to inhabit and govern this land, have the inherent right to self-government to safeguard and develop their lands and resources, languages, cultures and traditions and to ensure the integrity of their societies.

2. Canadians are committed to a united country to ensure a society in which all Canadians and their children have access to the benefit of Canada's prosperity, including quality health care, social services, education and employment opportunities.

3. The rights of Canadians are secured equally by the rule of law and should be implemented in a just, broad and liberal manner taking into account the spirit and intent of guarantees under the Constitution.

4. All provinces are equal under the Constitution, and together with the territories, have equality of opportunity to develop their unique characteristics in partnership, while respecting each other's jurisdiction.

5. In the Canadian federal system, where respect for diversity underlies unity, the unique character of Quebec society, including its French speaking majority, its culture, its institutions and its tradition of civil law, is fundamental to the well-being of Canada. Similarly, the well-being of Quebec is ensured by the Legislature and Government of Quebec having the ability to protect and develop the unique character of Quebec society within a united Canada.

6. A strong national government for Canada, and the historic flexibility of Canadians and their governments, remain essential elements of our ability to modify, adapt and renew our institutions and arrangements for the benefit of all Canadians.

7. Each government and legislature has, in a manner appropriate to each, a responsibility to ensure that these principles and precepts remain enduring features of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the special committee, therefore, I move seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife North that the Report of the Special Committee on National Unity be received and adopted by the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Your motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed The motion is carried. Motions. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS all Canadians and their governments have a responsibility for preserving and promoting a strong and united Canada for the benefit of all Canadians in all regions from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic;

AND WHEREAS the peoples, lands and institutions of Canada's northern territories, including the future territory of Nunavut, comprise a dynamic and vital region of Canada;

AND WHEREAS efforts to promote and preserve national unity require the meaningful participation of all territorial governments in any processes directed at achieving unity;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories' Legislative Assembly supports the negotiation and implementation of self-government for aboriginal peoples in the territories and elsewhere in Canada, to secure their aboriginal and treaty rights and aboriginal peoples' full participation within the Canadian federation;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories has a unique character and status within the federation and expects a fair and equal opportunity to achieve the status of a full partner within the federation on equitable terms as referred to in the Quebec Resolutions of 1864 and the London Resolutions of 1866.

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nunakput that the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories supports all efforts to secure the commitment of the people of all provinces and territories to the unity of Canada in accordance with the principles set out below:

1. The aboriginal peoples of Canada, being the first peoples to inhabit and govern this land, have the inherent right to self-government to safeguard and develop their lands and resources, languages, cultures and traditions and to ensure the integrity of their societies.

2. Canadians are committed to a united country to ensure a society in which all Canadians and their children have access to the benefit of Canada's prosperity, including quality health care, social services, education and employment opportunities.

3. The rights of Canadians are secured equally by the rule of law and should be implemented in a just, broad and liberal manner taking into account the spirit and intent of guarantees under the Constitution.

4. All provinces are equal under the Constitution, and together with the territories, have equality of opportunity to develop their unique characteristics in partnership, while respecting each other's jurisdiction.

5. In the Canadian federal system, where respect for diversity underlies unity, the unique character of Quebec society, including its French speaking majority, its culture, its institutions and its tradition of civil law, is fundamental to the well-being of Canada. Similarly, the well-being of Quebec is ensured by the Legislature and Government of Quebec having the ability to protect and develop the unique character of Quebec society within a united Canada.

6. A strong national government for Canada, and the historic flexibility of Canadians and their governments, remain essential elements of our ability to modify, adapt and renew our institutions and arrangements for the benefit of all Canadians.

7. Each government and legislature has, in a manner appropriate to each, a responsibility to ensure that these principles and precepts remain enduring features of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Just a correction here in regard to the seconder, it should be the Member for Natilikmiot. The motion is in order. To the motion. Mr. Morin.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and a pleasure to rise in this House today to say that I am Canadian and I am proud of it. We as Canadians sometimes think that we do not have a perfect country. We think that there is a lot of problems with the constitution as it is today; but if it is such a failure, I think we are a pretty good success as well. Anybody that has had the opportunity to travel abroad to visit other countries are awful happy to get back home to Canada. Because once your feet touch Canadian soil, there is a sigh of relief and there is then, an ability to appreciate what we do have as Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, in early September we met with other Premiers in this country to discuss Canadian unity. We felt it is time that Canadians took the time to express from their hearts what they feel about this country. Is it worth saving? Is it worth fighting for? Is it worth working for? I think so, Mr. Speaker. I think we all should put that extra effort into working to save our country.

Mr. Speaker, some think that this process is a Quebec process. It is a process for Canadians and northerners to reach out to Quebec. It is not that at all. It is a process for Canadians and northerners to reach out to Canadians and other people in this country. It is a process where we can stand as leaders of the Northwest Territories and say to other jurisdictions throughout this country why we are so proud to be Canadians and why we are so proud of the country we have and to be a part of it.

Mr. Speaker, in September in Calgary Premiers agreed to kick this process off, but it is a people process. It is driven by the people, not only of the Northwest Territories, it is driven by all grassroots people throughout this country. We have the ability today, as 24 Members in this Legislative Assembly, to send a clear message to the rest of the country. I personally, Mr. Speaker, feel that Canadian unity starts at home, a united family. That is what it starts with. If your home is united then you move on to your community. We all know and we have all experienced what can happen at a community level if they are bickering amongst each other. They do not move ahead; they do not prosper; the communities stay stale; they do not move ahead economically and ultimately all the residents of that community do not have the same opportunities as others do that do work ahead together.

As a Northwest Territories, we know our only future, the only future that we can have is the ability of northerners to work together. If we can all set aside our differences as northerners and work together, you will see the north grow strong and free as it says in our national anthem. Recently, Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to speak in southern Canada just to give some people a small snapshot of the Northwest Territories. I advised those people to look north because the north is the shining light of this country. The north is the last frontier in this country. We, as northerners, are very fortunate. You can walk or you can move around the Northwest Territories in any direction and see the beauty of our land, see the beauty of our water and see the friendliness of our people, as a Canadian, a Canadian ability that Canadian people can do. As the north, we are the last frontier in this country and we have a lot to offer southern Canada. We have a great opportunity in the Northwest Territories as being the first Legislature to pass a resolution or move forward on a resolution to set the tone.

As Members see the number one issue brought forward is on aboriginal people. The majority of Members in this Legislative Assembly, Mr. Speaker, are aboriginal. The majority of the population in the Northwest Territories is aboriginal. So to us it means very much that aboriginal people have to be at the forefront and aboriginal people have to have full participation in any issues or Canadian constitution amendment in the future. Aboriginal people and northerners working together will make the Northwest Territories a better place to live.

Some say that you should not take the time to debate or raise the issue of Canadian unity or constitution. I know that Canadians have constitution fatigue, northerners have constitution fatigue. We all know that if you do not raise that issue, if you do not have a unified country, you have nothing in the end. You do not have the jobs. You do not have the social programs. You will not have the health programs. You will not have the educational programs. A country that no longer exists will not be able to offer that. Nobody should fool themselves, thinking that if for some unrealistic reason, Quebec decides to separate from this country, do not any Canadian fool themselves and think that it will stop there. It will not stop there, Mr. Speaker. It will continue and pretty soon you will have no Canada.

We recognize the unique characteristics of Quebec, their language, their culture. We embrace them and we want them to be part of this country. We want Quebec to be part of Canada. We will respect their culture. We will respect their language. We will respect their institutions. We will respect their government. All we ask in exchange is for them to have respect for us.

The federal government as well has a very important role to play, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister stood in this Legislative Assembly when we opened this building. He stood in our House, and he promised the people of the Northwest Territories that we are an important part of this country, and he promised that we would be treated equal in this country. He promised to the Northwest Territories' people that we will have the devolution of powers to give us the tools so we can contribute to the country. We still wait today for those promises to be fulfilled. I have full faith in the Prime Minister and the federal government that they will fulfil those promises. The same as they will fulfil their promises to other Canadians. That is what makes our country great. That is what makes Canada, Canada.

We are unique in the Northwest Territories. We have a lot to offer this country. We are willing to work in partnership. We are willing to respect them and we will do it, Mr. Speaker, in a fashion that has mutual respect to us. Any future consideration, any future work on the constitution of this country, Mr. Speaker, has to have and will have full meaningful role for the Northwest Territories as well as aboriginal people.

Mr. Speaker, I can go on and on and speak about Canada because it is the greatest country in the world. We live in this country with mutual respect for other jurisdictions. I am a lucky Canadian. I had the opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to travel from one end of this country to the other. I know people living in eastern Canada. The maritime provinces are unique in their own way. So are people living in the Prairie Provinces. So are people living in British Columbia. We all know we are very unique living in the Northwest Territories. So with that, Mr. Speaker, in closing I say we have mutual respect for each other and we work together as Canadians. We will continue to build a good country, a vibrant country, a better country for our children and grandchildren. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when the name of the seconder of the motion was called, it was Mr. Steen from Nunakput. I am sure it could have been anyone from this House and anyone would have been more than pleased to second the motion, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest things that we have in this country that I am proud of - I am sure everyone in the country, everyone in the Nunavut area and everyone in the western area of the northwest area of the NWT is proud of - is their freedom, a freedom to move around, a freedom to be a part of any party you want to be in a country, a freedom to follow a religion of your choice, a freedom to choose the community where you want to live without having to use the passports.

One other thing that I talked to people from my area that we are concerned about of this country is what happens if Quebec separates. Would I be able to visit my brothers, sisters and cousins from northern Quebec without the use of passports? I do not know. Mr. Speaker, when I travel to three of my communities, there are times that the young people come to me and talk to me about the country. There are times when the elders come to me and talk to me about what we saw on the television, what is going on in the other countries. Mr. Speaker, when I talk to my grandchildren, my kids and my family, we talk about how lucky we are to live in a country such as Canada. As Mr. Premier, indicates we can move around the country freely. Freedom, there is nothing I will not compromise my freedom for anything else. I am sure that no one from this country would. Mr. Speaker, when we talk about the family, in the unity of a family, there is strength. In the unity of a family there is understanding. In a unity of a family there is a freedom to move around your community to another community to another jurisdiction. Mr. Speaker, every year we celebrate the 1st of July. What makes me proud to be a Canadian is that during that time of celebration, the 1st of July, I will see a little one, the youngest person in a community, able to hold a Canadian flag, from that to the oldest person in the community. Does that little child understand? Perhaps not because he is too young to understand. It is the eldest in the community to understand what it means to be Canadian. Perhaps that person is a little forgetful during that time, but they are holding that flag.

In most cases in our community, we talk about the country during the 1st of July. Every person who talks about the country appreciates being a part of the country. Mr. Speaker, before this session when I travelled to Taloyoak, Gjoa Haven and I am from Pelly, I was on the radio about what was to take part in this special session. I am sure because I spoke the languages of the three communities, I am sure people understood. There were times walking down the street that people told me they are proud to be part of this country.

Mr. Speaker, come 1999, we in Nunavut area, will have a Nunavut government. We will remain part of the country. We will be Canadian. We will be part of the country we call Canada. I am not going to make a long speech because I could go on and on, like Mr. Premier said. You know what really made me understand how I am proud to be Canadian? I had two occasions to travel abroad. One was to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and one to Denmark in Copenhagen. There were many people travelling with us. When we produced our Canadian passports, I could see the reaction of the customs official, hey Canadian move on. That is how appreciated people are from another country. We have provided assistance to third world countries. We have seen how the Canadian people will work together, not only to help the people in Canada but to help the people in other countries who are suffering. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.