Mr. Speaker, the special committee is committed to engaging in a dialogue with northern residents concerning the sunset clause. Over the next two weeks, an information brochure on the sunset clause will be mailed to all residents, an advertisement will be placed in northern newspapers and radio announcements, in our official languages, will advise residents of the information available to them. We look forward to receiving invitations to visit communities and to listen to what residents have to say about the sunset clause.

At this time, the special committee is considering two options for dealing with the sunset clause. The first option is to repeal or cancel the sunset clause. Existing electoral boundaries and elected representation would remain as is, with representatives elected to 19 electoral districts at the next general election. The second option is to extend the deadline of the clause and allow Members of the next Legislative Assembly to review the number of electoral districts in the North, recognizing that the progress of self-government negotiations may warrant future changes to the current system.

Written submissions dealing with the sunset clause are to be received by the special committee before December 30, 2001. The special committee will consider feedback from residents and make recommendations as to which of these options, or others, Northerners prefer for dealing with the sunset clause. Based on the feedback and comments from the residents, the committee will make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly during the session in February of 2002. The special committee encourages all residents to take the time to read the material that we have put together and look forward to community meetings on the sunset clause, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the special committee will continue to do its work and looks forward to reporting on the sunset clause early next year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.