In its Report on the Review of the 2000-2003 Business Plans and 2000-2001 Main Estimates, the committee expressed serious concerns over the numerous sectors in government that are involved in self-government, land claims, devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations.
In the spring of 2000, the Executive offices added the Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat, a Regional Relations section and an Intergovernmental Affairs section, all of which are involved in self-government issues. Along with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, there are staff in the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs; Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; FMBS; Justice; and Health and Social Services involved in intergovernmental negotiations. Information supplied to the committee in October by the ministry indicated that the GNWT devotes 44 positions and $6,195,000 to negotiations. During the recent review of the 2001-2002 main estimates, the committee was informed of the newest addition to the self-government milieu - a committee of Ministers.
The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends that the coordination of the new ministerial committee and impact of government-wide negotiations be clarified and that the government establishes clear lines of authority for all sectors of government involved in self-government negotiations.