Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from the beginning of this constitution process that we undertook to proceed with, we made a commitment as a government to proceed with the development of the western constitution. There was support from the western Caucus on this, the Aboriginal Leaders' Summit gave direction, the Constitutional Development Steering Committee over two years ago at a conference directed us to proceed with development of this constitution. At the same time we have been in a bilateral process for self-government development with the aboriginal First Nations. There was direction as well from the Aboriginal Leaders' Summit over a year ago here in Yellowknife to proceed with this constitutional development process.

Last October, upon tabling the document, we wanted to proceed immediately to go ahead and make consultation visits to the communities to explain the package at that time and to get feedback. Because of funding restraints, we were not able to do it, but now there is commitment by this government and the federal government to fund this process. As it was Saturday, upon meeting with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Honourable Ron Irwin, we have had a commitment from him that he would like to see a made-in-the north constitutional package. At the same time, he has committed his officials to work directly with us and address all the concerns that have been raised to date and some concerns that may be raised during consultation process. There is a commitment from the federal government to proceed in that direction. I think there is still a commitment from the Members in this House to proceed. I know that there are different opinions that have been expressed lately that we should not proceed with this. My position is that we continue with this. The urgency is that. Thank you.