Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, Members of the Nunavut Caucus have just returned from the Nunavut Leaders' Summit in Ikaluktutiak. The two day meeting was aptly titled, Decisions 97. While we did indeed make decisions on a number of issues, there is still a lot of work ahead for all leaders in Nunavut as we move closer to April 1, 1999 and division. Much of the discussion on the opening day involved the composition and design of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. Leaders agreed that the Assembly should have a minimum of 20 Members and a maximum of 22. Agreement was also reached on the election, electing the Premier of Nunavut at large. If it is possible within the timeframe before division, Nunavut's leaders also want to ensure that a Legislative Assembly is in place to take over on April 1, 1999, and have therefore decided that the first election will be held in January or February of 1999. As you know, Mr. Speaker, gender parity has been one of the most contentious issues in discussion on the design of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly. I wish to report to the House that the people of Nunavut will decide, by plebiscite, whether or not their Assembly will be elected on the basis of equal representation of men and women. To date, there has not been a clear indication of whether or not the majority of the residents in Nunavut support gender parity. The plebiscite will tell us clearly what the people want. We as a member of Nunavut Caucus, feel it is crucial to protect the democratic process by letting the people who elect us have a say in such a fundamental change, in the way Members of a Legislative Assembly are chosen officials.

From the three signatories to the Nunavut Accord, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.