Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the motion.

Coordination of Inter-Jurisdictional and Inter-Departmental Initiatives

WHEREAS the responsibility for the preparation of strategies to address intergovernmental and international issues and maintaining official contracts between the Government of the Northwest Territories and federal, provincial, Yukon and circumpolar governments rests with the Executive under the Intergovernmental Affairs Program;

AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs coordinates Government of the Northwest Territories participation at comprehensive aboriginal land claims, self-government and treaty entitlement negotiations, monitors Western Constitutional development and represents the Government of the Northwest Territories in related processes and fosters good aboriginal relations;

AND WHEREAS the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has the broad responsibility to respond effectively to economic, natural resource and environmental issues of concern to the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development undertakes to develop trade and investment strategies and provides advice and acts as a link nationally and internationally in business, arts and crafts, manufacturing and marketing;

AND WHEREAS there is an apparent lack of a coordinated effort on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to address inter-jurisdictional issues of concern and development initiatives in the western Arctic region, taking into account the interests and participation of all affected aboriginal organizations and territorial and national governments.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Kivallivik that the Government of the Northwest Territories formulate, in consultation with all affected parties, a policy to effect the interagency and inter-jurisdictional cooperation necessary to facilitate the development of comprehensive agreements between governments and land claimants respecting, but not limited to, the environment, wildlife management, economic development, trade and tourism and social and cultural development;

AND FURTHER, it is recommended that a comprehensive management board, consisting of all party participation, be established to coordinate the negotiation and implementation of these agreements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.