Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Yes, I would like to present the Report of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Infrastructure on the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. General comments. The mandate of the ministry is to protect, develop and promote the interests of the territorial government and the residents of the Northwest Territories in the negotiation and implementation of land claims, self-government and treaty entitlement agreements and in the political and constitutional development of the western Northwest Territories; and to develop and maintain mutually beneficial working relations with the Aboriginal leadership.
The Standing Committee on Resource Management and Infrastructure met on November 24, 1998, to review the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs' 1999-2002 Business Plan. Committee Members reviewed the Ministry's draft 1999-2000 Main Estimates on March 25, 1999. During both reviews, the committee noted that the creation of two new territories, issues of western governance, ongoing land claims negotiations, self-government and major demographic shifts have contributed and will likely continue to press the operating parameters of the ministry. The committee noted during their review of the Ministry's draft 1999-2000 Main Estimate a $53,000, or a 1.41 percentage, projected decrease in operations and maintenance expenditures for the ministry from its 1999-2002 Business Plan.
Committee Members concluded that the Ministry's projected decline in expenditures would likely negatively affect the government's ongoing attempts to incorporate the interests of stakeholders and residents in the ongoing and complex aboriginal and territorial political process.
Representation: A Balanced Approach.
The committee expressed concern during the review of the business plan that the government's approach to the resolution of land claim, treaty entitlement and self-government issues may not be fully balanced, ensuring representation for all residents of the Northwest Territories. Committee Members agreed that it is essential that a strong central government be espoused at all negotiation tables.
Operational Audit.
The committee in its review of the Minister's opening remarks from the review of the business plans noted that an operational audit was recently performed on the ministry. The committee looks forward to receiving a briefing of the operational audit that was recently performed on the ministry, subject to Cabinet protocols concerning the release of selected documents.
Status of Claims.
Committee Members continue to be concerned regarding the status of land claims in the Northwest Territories. During discussions with the Minister, Members requested an update of the progress on each claim to date.
That concludes the Report on Aboriginal Affairs, Madam Chairperson.