(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.