Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments will be brief. I think the subject has been discussed thoroughly in this chamber, as well as outside this chamber in our committee meetings. It is an issue that is difficult. It is very, very difficult for many Members to address because it does affect the territories in many ways. I had the opportunity to sit through the court case, Mr. Speaker, and to listen to many of the presentations and the arguments in respect to the charter.

First of all, in regard to the court case, I would like to state that we had a judge who was very, very knowledgeable with regard to northern issues. He has served in the Northwest Territories for many years, some 20,30 years. I do believe he understands the issues here in the north. I do believe in the court case he did hear about all the issues, and he asked those representing the territorial government and the Aboriginal Summit for more information so that he could make a just ruling. He continually impressed upon those representatives to bring that forward. He dealt with extensive submissions by the lawyers, both the NWT and the intervenors, and he reviewed piles and piles of documents.

Now coming to my situation, Mr. Speaker, I have had and been part of the review and the submissions and comments whereby we ask the government's lawyers about a possibility of an appeal. My interpretation was that there is no basis for an appeal by this government. For that reason, I will be voting against the motion. I hope, Mr. Speaker, whichever way this goes and I am sure of all our Members' good intent here, that we will continue our dialogue between all of us so that we move on after this matter is settled, in whatever way it is settled, for the future of all our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.