Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the last week, there have been three full-page newspaper ads placed by the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, stating the Dogrib self-government negotiations are stalled by the lack of commitment from the Government of the Northwest Territories Cabinet.
Land claim and self-government talks have been going on for years in the Dogrib region. Originally, it was hoped that negotiations would finish this August. Now it is not known when they will conclude.
We do know, however, that the relationship that exists between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Dogrib region will change. I am concerned that preparations are not being made to recognize the area formally, particularly through the budget process.
As the representative of the North Slave region, which consists of Rae, Rae Lakes, Wha Ti and Snare Lakes, I find it confusing that in the budget, money is allocated to the North Slave, yet ends up being spent on items outside my area, whether it is on a highway in the Fort Smith region or a park in Yellowknife.
Work could begin now with the aboriginal governments and the House to ensure that realignment of the budget occurs with the claim area.
I urge the government to take a proactive approach to realigning the budgets to reflect the new claim areas. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause