Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is requesting these positions in Yellowknife for the reasons I stated earlier. This department does not have any other field offices. We do not have offices in the regions because of the nature of the work that is required.

The land claims and self-government have always been the priority of the Legislative Assembly and government. We just want to be well prepared to take on the upcoming two claim areas that are poised and ready to negotiate. These two areas have had a very difficult time accepting this Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories as a legitimate government to see us involved in their process.

With the Akaitcho Territory, we were able to take two and half years to finally come to a framework agreement to get to a type of wording that would allow the Government of the Northwest Territories to sit at the table to begin negotiations. We are being accused of dragging our feet, being stumbling blocks and slowing down the process. We take that very seriously.

In these two new claims areas that are coming forward, we would like to be prepared so once these two negotiations are getting into full swing, we are in a position to move as soon as they start up.

That is the position from which I am coming. I do not know if I responded to the honourable Member's concern that there are increases in the Financial Management Board Secretariat and Executive as well as Aboriginal Affairs.

The reason for the request is very legitimate. I will leave it at that. Thank you.