Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the recent electoral boundary court challenges and the introduction of Bill 15 has created serious rifts among northern peoples;

AND WHEREAS political stability is necessary if the Northwest Territories is to have a healthy society and a positive economic and investment climate;

AND WHEREAS the land claim and self-government negotiation processes have been underway for over twenty years;

AND WHEREAS the support of aboriginal people is needed if the Government of the Northwest Territories is to progress in its efforts toward further devolution, resource development and revenue sharing;

AND WHEREAS the existing uncertainty surrounding land claims and self-government processes is harmful to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people and to the economic, social and political stability of the Northwest Territories;

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River, that this Legislative Assembly continues to support the resolution of land claims and self-government agreements among all aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories.

AND FURTHER, requests this Executive Council and the Government of the Northwest Territories to place a high priority on the negotiations and settlement of outstanding land claims.