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.