Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I see a lot of similarities, Mr. Speaker, between our government and the federal government. Both do studies, consultations and produce reports and produce only meagre meat and potatoes. My comments today though, will be in regard to the federal government, Mr. Speaker. Two years ago we considered a motion that I put forward before the House and passed it that we have a comprehensive list developed of federal positions that are dedicated to policy and development in the Northwest Territories of positions located in the south and these positions be repositioned here in the North. There are hundreds of positions all across Canada better placed here in the Northwest Territories and the Nunavut areas. No longer should important decisions be left to those in southern Canada who do not have to live with the consequences of their decisions and their actions.
In response to our motion, Mr. Speaker, DIAND hired a consulting firm to assess potential transfers. A report was issued in July of 1998 and it confirmed that there is solid rationale of a transfer of federal positions. In December, we were informed by the Deputy Premier that of the three federal government departments with significant staff dedicated to the north, such as DIAND, Environment and Fisheries and Oceans, it is likely that only staff from the Northern Affairs program of DIAND would be considered. Now the Northern Affairs Program has 135 positions, but only 80 to 90 might be classified as solely dedicated to work in the north. Last fall the federal government signed a devolution protocol with the government of the Yukon and reached agreement to transfer a potential 20 NAP positions. Yet DIAND has been silent on the transfer with respect to the Northwest Territories. There are hundreds of jobs that should be located in the north. I say to the federal government, stop spending those thousands of dollars on studies and just get on with it and give us some meat and potatoes.
--Applause