Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, there is a First Nations Policing Policy within the Northwest Territories. The Department of Justice has had a framework agreement with the Solicitor General for some time now. This agreement expired on March 31st, 1999. The department had been in discussion with the Solicitor General towards developing a long term territorial strategy under the national First Nations Policing Policy. The vision we were pursuing was that regional policing boards be set up and phased in and, as self-government agreements are finalized, these policing issues are also on the table in the self-government negotiations.

The honourable Member's riding is part of the Beaufort Delta's negotiations in this level. At this time, the department is talking to the Solicitor General's representative. There is some support for continuing this program with the Solicitor General. This is federal funding that we are seeking to deal with the First Nations Policing Policy in the Northwest Territories. In regards to whether we have reviewed how it can be done, I am told that we have reviewed Saskatchewan's First Nations policing agreements quite extensively, and that is part of the whole review. Thank you.