Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on March 7, 2001, I will move the following motion:
Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the following provisions be adopted as the terms of reference for the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-government and the Sunset Clause:
- The special committee, in undertaking its review, adopts the following as operating principles as articulated by the 14th Legislative Assembly in Towards a Better Tomorrow:
- a.) The special committee is committed to the development of a system of government in the Northwest Territories that recognizes and protects the rights of all residents, balancing individual citizens' rights and collective aboriginal rights;
- b.) The special committee recognizes that aboriginal and other northern leaders working together in support of a common vision and strong sense of identity is the foundation for a better future for all residents;
- c.) The special committee holds that aboriginal people must have greater self-determination over their social, cultural, economic and political destiny;
- d.) The special committee recognizes that aboriginal and public governments have unique, necessary and complementary roles to play in serving territorial residents; and
- e.) The special committee recognizes the need for strong, effective aboriginal and public governments operating cooperatively;
- The special committee is further committed to:
- a.) providing information to aboriginal governments and seeking their input on issues related to the achievement of its mandate; and
- b.) an open and public process that provides opportunities for stakeholder groups, elected bodies and the general public to receive information and input their views on issues related to the achievement of its mandate;
- The special committee shall:
- a.) In relation to the Sunset Clause:
- i.) Provide information to Northwest Territories residents concerning the intent and effect of Section 2 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, as to the need to address Section 2 before the next election and to solicit input and options; and
- ii.) Make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly concerning the sunset clause;
- b.) In relation to the implementation of self-government:
- i.) Consider how the Legislative Assembly may be impacted by the implementation of self-government in the areas of legislation and appropriations;
- ii.) Review the models for implementing self-government in the Northwest Territories currently being negotiated;
- iii.) Review the impact implementing self-government agreements will have on the Legislative Assembly operating structures and procedures;
- iv.) Review legislative initiatives that would implement self-government agreements;
- v.) Make recommendations as to how existing and future legislation, policies and practices of the Legislative Assembly might be amended or developed to reflect the concurrency of jurisdiction between aboriginal and partnership governments and the Government of the Northwest Territories,
- vi.) Make recommendations on ways in which the budgetary process might be modified in form and process so as to reflect the duality of interest resulting from the implementation of self-government agreements,
- vii.) Make recommendations on transitional measures which could be introduced to prepare for the implementation of self-government agreements.
- c.) Consider how self-government may impact the Government of the Northwest Territories with respect to the functions of policy, programs, services, financing and administration over the immediate and long-term:
- i.) Evaluate the impacts self-government will have on the authorities contained in the Northwest Territories Act and Territorial Statutes (legislation);
- ii.) Investigate and advise on the impact self-government will have on the public governing structure on the Legislative Assembly and Government of the Northwest Territories and its powers, functions, programs, services and finances; and
- iii.) make recommendations on transitional measures, which could be implemented to prepare for the implementation of self-government agreements.
- Mr. Speaker, the special committee, in carrying out its terms of reference, will use best efforts to ensure that its discussions and activities support, complement and otherwise not overlap with or in any way interfere with self-government negotiations or discussions taking place at the Intergovernmental Forum;
- The special committee shall establish processes for providing information to and affording the residents an opportunity to make their views known;
- The special committee shall have access to such persons, papers and records as necessary to the conduct of its business;
- The special committee shall be provided, through appropriations, with adequate funds to carry out its terms of reference and assigned responsibilities;
- The special committee is authorized to employ such staff and/or consultants and contractors as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities;
- The special committee may consider other matters referred to it by the Legislative Assembly; and
- The special committee may make recommendations it considers desirable through interim and a final report.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.