Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on November 24, 1997, the Constitutional Working Group delegation met with the DIAND Minister, Jane Stewart, in Ottawa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss continuing federal support for the CWG process and the development of the constitution for the new Western Territory. The delegation included Mr. James Wah-Shee, myself and the CWG's executive director, Mr. Steve Iveson. In addition to discussing ongoing federal support the meeting was also an opportunity to provide Minister Stewart with an update on the progress made to date on the CWG, how western Northwest Territories residents have responded to the western constitutional development issues and what we are planning for the future.
I am pleased to report that Minister Stewart expressed her support for the western constitutional development process and agreed in general with the CWG's guiding principles and objectives which form the basis for our western constitution. She expressed confidence that with good communication and effective consultation among western residents, the aboriginal leadership and the federal government's approach will emerge with respect to the values of all parties.
I can also report that the Minister supports continued involvement by the federal government in the western constitutional process. DIAND officials will continue to take an active role in the CWG meetings and the second round of consultations they will participate as observers, offer technical advice and provide the federal perspective. Finally, Minister Stewart confirmed that the Government of Canada will contribute $500,000 to the CWG process for the remainder of this fiscal year. This contribution along with the $266,000 from the Government of the Northwest Territories will be targeted for CWG's second round of consultation. The CWG's proposed budget and work plan for fiscal year 1998/99 are already under review by the federal, territorial and the CWG officials.
Both governments are to be commended for their political, financial, technical support for the Constitutional Working Group process. The Constitutional Working Group can now devote its full attention to the second round of consultations which are scheduled for February through May of 1998. The Constitutional Working Group will hold a constitutional conference in the fall of 1998 where a proposed constitutional package will be considered subject to further consultation. A plebiscite on the western constitutional package is tentatively scheduled for early 1999.
On the same day, I was able to meet with Minister Stewart in my capacity as Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. We discussed a number of Northwest Territories' issues and initiatives including self-government which has implications for federal and territorial governments and aboriginal people. We established a good dialogue on these matters and have agreed to continue working closely in the future. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.