Mr. Speaker, my motion, the establishment of a special committee on the implementation of self-government and a sunset clause;
WHEREAS the 14th Legislative Assembly has adopted their vision for a prosperous future, a strong, unified and self-reliant Northwest Territories that can take its rightful place in the federation and the international community;
AND WHEREAS the 14th Legislative Assembly in its document "Towards a Better Tomorrow" believes that aboriginal and other northern leaders working together in support of a common vision and strong sense of identity is the foundation to the better future for all residents;
AND WHEREAS the 14th Legislative Assembly believes that aboriginal people must have greater self-determination over their social, cultural, economic and political destiny;
AND WHEREAS aboriginal and public governments have unique, necessary and complementary roles to play in serving territorial residents;
AND WHEREAS it is important that there be a strong and effective aboriginal and public governments operating cooperatively and in partnership;
AND WHEREAS the system of government of the Northwest Territories must recognize and protect the rights of all residents, balancing individual citizens' rights and collective aboriginal rights;
AND WHEREAS section 2 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that upon the 14th Legislative Assembly that the current electoral boundaries cease to exist;
AND WHEREAS it is important that the Legislative Assembly give consideration on the impact that this section would have for the future of public government in the Northwest Territories and upon the implementation of self-government;
AND WHEREAS the systems of government in the Northwest Territories should be valuable, workable, and affordable;
AND WHEREAS self-government negotiations with aboriginal people are well advanced in the Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories has responsibility for delivery of programs and services to all residents of the Northwest Territories;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly desires to work cooperatively with all aboriginal governments in implementing their inherent right through final self-government agreements;
AND WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly should consider matters under its authority that are impacted by the implementation of self-government in the areas of legislation, programs, services, and finances to provide advice and direction to the Government of the Northwest Territories.
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, that the Legislative Assembly hereby establishes a special committee to be named, Special Committee on Self-Government Implementation and the Sunset Clause;
AND FURTHER, that the following Members be named to the special committee:
- • the honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine;
- • the Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden;
- • the Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey;
- • the Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty;
- • the Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee;
AND FURTHERMORE that notwithstanding rule 88(2), the following Members be named as alternate members to the special committee:
- • the honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen;
- • the Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod;
- • the Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the special committee prepares its terms of reference and present them at the first opportunity during the sitting of the Legislative Assembly in February 2001.