(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In a short 142 days, the Nunavut territorial government will proudly join Canada's confederation as a new jurisdiction, and it is only fitting that as the Minister responsible for Nunavut Transition Planning, I rise to provide my colleagues with an update on certain aspects of division as it relates to Nunavut Transition Planning. Members of the 13th Assembly have had the privilege of being a part of this historical achievement. We take very seriously our role as one of the three signatories to the Nunavut Political Accord, along with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, you read out letters of recommendation from the Interim Commissioner of Nunavut regarding bills that are going before this Assembly to facilitate the transition to Nunavut on April 1, 1999. Besides being historically important, this is done in accordance with the recent amendments to the Nunavut Act, as well being done in the spirit of cooperation in Nunavut Transition Planning that is needed to get the job done.
Recently, the Nunavut Caucus held a critical meeting in Iqaluit. Issues such as division-related legislation and business planning for Nunavut were discussed. It was an opportunity for the Nunavut Caucus to meet in Nunavut rather than Yellowknife where meetings were necessarily held. As a result of this meeting, we agreed with the OIC that key employees of the Interim Commissioner's Office will attend before a future meeting of Nunavut Caucus to report on their business planning process and obtain our input. (Translation ends)
The first election for the Nunavut Legislative Assembly will be held on February 15, 1999. Many preparations are already underway and the enumeration for the first Nunavut election has been done. Having an election in advance of April 1, 1999, had to be done by special legislation.
While I was attending a recent meeting of Ministers of Justice in Regina, I was very proud to give a presentation on the single level trial court which will be the proud centrepiece of the Nunavut justice system. On April 1, 1999, Nunavut will become the only jurisdiction in Canada to hold such a court system. In the single court system, one level of court can hear all cases. I was very happy to have the opportunity to address these issues at a national level.
In the coming days, I plan to appear before a Parliamentary Standing Committee to express the GNWT support to further amendments to the Nunavut Act, that will smooth the way for the single level trial court system. Mr. Speaker, these are but few of the many issues facing us in advance of April 1, 1999, and I look forward to the continued cooperation of all those involved in this historic achievement, an undertaking, Mr. Speaker, that will see the first change to Canada's political map in 50 years.
--Applause