Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in addition to obtaining the reaction of Northwest Territories' residents to the seven points of the Calgary framework, the special committee confirmed three fundamental themes to serve as the basis for consultation on national unity and strengthening the federation. It should be noted that these three themes also served as the Northwest Territories' delegation's objectives when Premiers met in Calgary to develop the national unity consultation framework.
First, promoting national unity and strengthening the federation must take into account the everyday needs and a secure lifestyle for northern residents and all Canadians. A strong and united Canada is a country where its citizens have access to quality education, health care, housing and other social services. A strong and united Canada will provide productive employment for its citizens, such as support for its elders and a prosperous future for its children and youth. Mr. Speaker, these important features of a strong and united Canada are undergoing change as governments consider social policy reform and renewal including how governments and Canadians can pay for these programs and services.
Second, national unity and strengthening the federation must take into account the historical and current realities of Canadian aboriginal nations, their status as founding peoples of this country and the special land, treaty and self-government rights that they have under our Constitution. The special committee agrees that while the Northwest Territories can make an important contribution on these historic and current aboriginal realities, it will also be important for aboriginal peoples and their leadership from throughout the country to provide their input to the consultation process and have it reflected in resolutions from the provinces and territories. The special committee, Mr. Speaker, is pleased that an agreement was reached in Winnipeg on November 18th between Premiers and national aboriginal leaders to have a framework document on relations between federal, provincial, territorial and aboriginal governments referred to the national unity consultation process.
Third, national unity and a strengthened federation must take into account that Canada is comprised of provinces and territories, and that the northern territories comprise a unique region of this nation. Canada is by its nature in geography a northern nation. Its northern territories, including the two new territories which will be created in 1999, need to be recognized in a National Unity Resolution and guarantees provided that territorial governments and their residents will continue to be partners in national unity processes.
To date, it appears that the federal and provincial governments support a role for northern territories through their territorial governments. The Premier and Ministers have participated in all formal national unity meetings of political leaders and GNWT officials are involved in all formal meetings with their provincial and territorial counterparts. Mr. Speaker, this is a welcome change from the past when the territories were excluded from important national unity and constitutional reform initiatives by Ottawa and the provinces.
Mr. Speaker, I would now like to ask my colleague from Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark, to continue with our report.