(Translation) Mr. Speaker, phase one of the Deh Cho Process has been underway since September, 1999. I am pleased to report that on February 14th, the leadership of the Deh Cho First Nations authorized their chief negotiator to initial the Deh Cho First Nations Framework Agreement and Interim Measures Agreement. This approval marks an important milestone in the Deh Cho Process. Over the next few weeks, our government will complete its review of these documents in order to approve them for initialling and signing by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is my understanding that the federal government will also review the two agreements prior as part of their approval process for initialling and then signing.
Mr. Speaker, the framework agreement sets out the purpose, approach and process for negotiating an agreement-in-principle and final agreement and it identifies the subject matters for negotiation. It also provides for the full involvement of the Government of the Northwest Territories in these negotiations.
The interim measures agreement, Mr. Speaker, will serve to protect important areas of the Deh Cho while negotiations are underway. For example, this agreement provides the Deh Cho First Nations with an enhanced role in the review and approval process of land use in the Deh Cho. It will encourage economic development and provide economic opportunities in the Deh Cho territory through negotiation of an interim resource development agreement between the Deh Cho First Nations and Canada. These interim agreements will be replaced by the final agreement.
Mr. Speaker, the initialling and signing of these agreements will pave the way for the three parties to begin phase two of the process; the negotiation of an agreement-in-principle and a final agreement.
Mr. Speaker, upon approval of the Deh Cho framework and interim measures agreements, a formal signing ceremony is expected to take place this spring in a Deh Cho community. I look forward to inviting you and my colleagues and MLAs to attend this important event. (Translation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.