Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is an obligation under both the Gwich'in Land Claim Agreement and the Sahtu Land Claim Agreement for government and the aboriginal organizations to meet at least once every three years to review the economic development programs of government.

Specifically, Mr. Speaker, the intention of this meeting is to review the effectiveness of these economic development programs in meeting the economic measures objectives within the land claims agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that such a meeting is scheduled to take place next month from November 21st to November 23rd in Inuvik. The Gwich'in and Sahtu Implementation Committees have agreed to hold this meeting jointly as both land claims have similar provisions. The first three-year review meeting, which was also a joint meeting with the Gwich'in and the Sahtu, was held in December of 1998.

Mr. Speaker, there are a variety of programs in place, both territorial and federal, that are intended to promote economic growth. This meeting provides the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated the opportunity to sit down with government and discuss the effectiveness of these programs in their respective areas. Officials from federal and territorial government departments that have programs and services to promote economic development will be on hand to provide presentations and answer questions.

Mr. Speaker, one of the outcomes we are seeking from the meeting is the development of a set of indicators. It is the GNWT's hope that these indicators will assist in the evaluation of programs for future three-year reviews.

This meeting is part of the government's continuing commitment to fulfil our obligations under the land claims agreements and to provide effective economic development programs. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.