Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words in support of this motion. This is, to me, a very constructive proposal for all of us to improve our program delivery here in the north and to replenish job losses. The federal government has a responsibility to us and a golden opportunity here to meet that need. This can be good news for all of us and assist our ailing economies. I understand there are about 50 people up to the ADM level working at the Northern Affairs section in Ottawa. This staff includes the Devolution Secretariat and the Nunavut Secretariat which, I understand, has about four people in Ottawa in addition to those in Iqaluit. Other areas where transfers from Northern Affairs may be feasible include the Natural Resources and Environment branch, Mineral Resources Directorate, Northern Oil and Gas, and Sector Policy and Program Development. Understand in land claims there are anomalies. Claims people working in BC and the Yukon are located in those regions, but in the NWT the people for the self-government section are located in Ottawa and there is no clear distinction or reason for this. There are areas outside DIAND where transfers might be feasible. The aboriginal branch in Justice, northern pipelines, the national energy boards monitoring compliance functions, human resource development, on and on it goes.

Some general points. I think the federal civil service will do a better job of understanding northern issues and delivering programs if the people they serve are in the north, not located in southern Canada.

Communications - if that is a concern to those civil servants, the NWT is making a large investment in digital communication networks and federal civil servants will be able to take advantage of this resource for advanced, low cost communications with their headquarters. Mr. Speaker, the idea of job transfers is not new. It has been around for years, but we have to focus it. I feel my motion today will focus attention on this to get this accomplished. We have a new Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs coming on stream fairly shortly. It is a good initiative for us to take forward to he or she when that person takes office. I am seeking support for my motion with those arguments, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.