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.