Thank you. I understand Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber and give the opening address. Mr. Clerk, would you please attend to and escort the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories into the Chamber.

Thank you. Before we begin the orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the pastor, Liz Richards, for her invocation. As well, the choir from Sir John Franklin High School with conductor Bill Gilday, for helping us with O Canada. Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6), so that all Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) in order to allow the completion of Ministers' statements. Are there any nays? There being no nays, item 3, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Premier Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I also welcome Members of this Legislative Assembly back to the House for the start of our Fourth Session.

Today I will give you an overview of our work since the February session and updates on key initiatives to provide context for the progress reports that Ministers will be giving during this session. I will also share my thoughts on the work that lies ahead of us all.

Towards a Better Tomorrow, the agenda of the 14th Assembly, provides broad strategic direction to the Government of the Northwest Territories based on four key priorities:

1. Self-reliant individuals, families and communities, working with governments toward improving social well-being;
2. Better governance through partnerships;
3. A northern-controlled economy that is balanced, diversified, stable and vibrant; and,
4. Adequate resources helping all levels of government to become more self-reliant in meeting the needs of the people they serve.

At the time of its release, the Legislative Assembly told the public that Towards a Better Tomorrow would serve as the measure of its accountability. My Cabinet colleagues and I take that commitment very seriously.

It is important that we continue to work together as a Caucus and that all Members of this Legislative Assembly have the opportunity for ongoing input to help guide and direct the work of government. There is much work yet to be done.

On May 22, the second Intergovernmental Forum took place in Inuvik. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine, RWED Minister Joseph Handley and I participated in this important meeting attended by aboriginal leaders from across the Northwest Territories and by the federal Minister, Robert Nault.

The Intergovernmental Forum was established as a means for allowing aboriginal governments, the federal government and the territorial government to come together to share information and to make joint decisions. It is the first and only forum of its kind in Canada -- one that respects the place of aboriginal governments as equals at the table.

Mr. Speaker, elected leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Principles at the Inuvik meeting, which will guide the relationships of the parties of the Intergovernmental Forum. This represents a significant commitment by all three parties to operate the forum on a government-to-government basis. As well, Minister Nault has reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to this process. This process supports better governance through partnerships, a key priority of our agenda.

On the critical issue of devolution and resource revenue sharing, leaders endorsed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI). This paper sets out the objectives, principles and process for future devolution talks and includes a commitment by the parties to seek instructions and appoint negotiators by March 31, 2002.

The successful conclusion of agreements on devolution and resource revenue sharing will allow our government and aboriginal governments of the Northwest Territories full access to the substantial revenues being generated through the development of our non-renewable resources and will give us greater control over how development takes place. This is critical to helping us achieve our vision of self-sufficiency.

The Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will be providing further details on the progress made at the most recent Intergovernmental Forum meeting.

Mr. Speaker, capacity building was also a focus of the Intergovernmental Forum. Aboriginal governments have made it clear that capacity is an issue if they are to be effective partners in the process and to cope with increasing responsibility and demands which are affecting aboriginal, territorial and municipal governments. Capacity also includes the ability of individual residents to participate in economic development opportunities.

The task force report on aboriginal communities and non-renewable resource development, launched yesterday in Yellowknife by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, brings national recognition to our capacity-building requirements.

This government is prepared to do its part to assist with capacity building for aboriginal governments and organizations, the non-governmental sector, municipalities, the NWT workforce and within our own public service.

Mr. Speaker, steady progress is being made to conclude aboriginal and treaty rights negotiations in the Northwest Territories. On May 23rd, Minister Antoine and I joined the DIAND Minister, Deh Cho chiefs and the people of the Deh Cho in Fort Simpson to celebrate the signing of the Deh Cho Framework Agreement and the Deh Cho Interim Measures Agreement. Deh Cho people have much work ahead of them to implement the Interim Measures Agreement and to begin negotiations on an agreement-in-principle. I wish them well in this work.

The work of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause is also underway. Range Lake MLA Ms. Sandy Lee and Minister Antoine will serve as committee co-chairs, ensuring coordination between the important work of this committee and the work of the government.

Negotiations are progressing and our relationships with aboriginal groups and governments are very good. During session, Minister Antoine will report on progress being made at the negotiating tables.

As the system of governance changes in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories must remain responsible to the needs of the people it serves. We have taken some preliminary steps in this regard, which will enable us to continue to effectively deliver programs and services in this changing environment, particularly through our regional offices. We will keep this House apprised as this work unfolds.

Mr. Speaker, when we took office, we were faced with a fiscal forecast that we would hit our borrowing limit within a year. We expected to have little money for investment and proactive measures. Since that time, several positive developments have given us some breathing room and investment flexibility.

Tomorrow, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister responsible for Finance, will provide an update on our fiscal position, how revised forecasts will affect business planning and changes to our tax regimes.

Mr. Speaker, energy and the environment were key agenda items at the Western Premiers' Conference held in Moose Jaw on May 30th to 31st, which I attended. Climate change, sustainable development and production of environmentally friendly energy sources were discussed. I will provide more detail on the outcomes of our conference in a ministerial statement, and I expect that energy will also be an important topic at the Annual Premiers' Conference in early August in Victoria. Also, some of us expect to attend a U.S. Western Governors' Conference in Idaho that will focus on energy, also in the middle of August.

Mr. Speaker, energy means oil, gas and hydroelectric power. All of us have experienced the economic impact on increased demand for energy in Canada and the United States. While this has resulted in a welcome boom in employment, business opportunities and revenues for the people of the Mackenzie Delta, Sahtu and Deh Cho, where energy reserves are located, it has also resulted in increased energy costs for everyone.

While the governments of Canada and United States are now aware, very aware, of the significant oil and gas reserves within the Northwest Territories, we still have much to learn and to report to the people of the Northwest Territories about the immense hydroelectric potential of Northwest Territories' rivers. Over the next two years, we will continue to examine the feasibility of developing this potential to provide long-term revenue sources for both aboriginal and territorial governments. It is worth noting that this potential can be reached using the natural flow or "run of the river" without extensive flooding, thereby minimizing any adverse environmental impacts.

With the release of the proposed U.S. National Energy Policy, our government foresees increased interest in accessing our oil, gas and hydro resources. The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will provide a progress report on developing our energy reserves. He will review what we are doing to maximize benefits for the people of the Northwest Territories, to protect the land and environment and to see that territorial concerns are considered in Canada's response to the proposed U.S. National Energy Policy.

We have also heard from residents and this Legislature that energy resource development must result in clean, affordable and accessible energy for our residents, our people. Presently, departments and agencies are undertaking separate initiatives to reduce energy costs for consumers ranging from the Greenhouse Gas Strategy to energy conservation to developing alternatives to diesel generation of power and heat.

To coordinate this work and to prepare an Energy Strategy to guide energy development and use within the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to announce today the establishment of an Energy Secretariat within the Department of Executive. I will lead the new Energy Secretariat, which will have a two-year mandate. I look forward to working with aboriginal and municipal governments, industry and other stakeholders to develop a Northwest Territories Energy Strategy.

Maximizing Northern Employment is a key priority of this government and the people we serve. Full employment is essential to the development of healthy, self-reliant communities and a diversified economy.

The current period of unprecedented economic activity has significantly increased the demand for skilled technicians and trades people. Ensuring residents can take advantage of these opportunities is challenging. We must work in partnership to develop the training initiatives needed so residents can access employment in any sector of our economy.

Later in this session, the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, will provide this House with a full report on the exciting work being done in this area.

Increased revenues and new employment opportunities are positive impacts that accompany resource development. However, there are also negative impacts associated with development, including increased wear and tear on our roads and highways. Government must mitigate against such impacts. To maintain and improve the safety of our existing highways, the Honourable Vince Steen, Minister responsible for Transportation, is leading the government's effort to implement a Highway Investment Strategy, in part by establishing commercial vehicle trip permits and fees.

We recognize that fees are seldom popular. However, we must be prepared to do our part to maintain and improve our road system, and we are looking to the commercial transport industry to pay its fair share of costs associated with its use of public highways.

During this session, legislation will be introduced to provide for the commercial vehicle trip permits. In four years' time, the people travelling on our territorial highways should be pleased by the dramatic improvements that the Highway Investment Strategy has brought about in the quality and safety of our public highways.

Mr. Speaker, our government wants to see all residents realize their potential. This requires everyone to be healthy in body, mind and spirit. That is why we are committed to moving forward on a Social Agenda Framework. This will help us address the social issues that prevent people from being productive members of their families and in their communities. Progress in this area is as important to achieving the vision of Towards a Better Tomorrow as are devolution, resource revenue sharing and non-renewable resource development.

The Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, is leading this important work which will begin with a Social Agenda Conference being organized in cooperation with non-governmental organizations and aboriginal groups from across the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories will host this conference on the Hay River Reserve on June 19-20. It will bring together front-line service delivery experts, aboriginal and community leaders, Members of the Legislature and policy makers. I hope that all Members of the Legislative Assembly will make an effort to attend this watershed event.

Together, we want to produce a Social Agenda Framework for everyone -- the Government of the Northwest Territories, social agencies and the people living in our communities. The Deputy Premier will be providing this House with detailed information on the Social Agenda Conference and the development of a Social Agenda Framework.

Mr. Speaker, our children are the future. The young people of the Northwest Territories have prospects and opportunities before them that are vastly different from those of their parents. They need our support and encouragement to prepare for life's challenges, to complete their education and to reach their full potential.

Our government feels a special responsibility towards young people, a responsibility reflected by the appointment of the Honourable Roger Allen as Minister responsible for Youth; a portfolio which he approaches with passion and enthusiasm.

Helping residents, and especially our young people, to lead healthier lives is one of the key priorities we have identified in Towards a Better Tomorrow. Later in this session, Minister Allen will inform Members of the activities he is undertaking as Minister responsible for Youth.

Mr. Speaker, with the activity underway in the Northwest Territories, our government and officials have been busy. We have worked hard in recent months to implement our key priorities and initiatives. Much of the credit must go to the members of our public service. I am impressed every day by their professionalism and competence. They put in long hours and demonstrate great dedication.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories for helping us to get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, tourism is a growing industry worldwide -- particularly adventure and cultural tourism. Last year, 35,000 tourists visited the Northwest Territories, spending just over $30 million. Because we want to see the number of tourists grow, NWT Arctic Tourism Association has worked with the Canadian Tourism Commission to set up a new $1.8 million marketing partnership. The $900,000 being invested by the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will be matched by the Canadian Tourism Commission.

The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development will also work with partners to improve and increase tourism attractions and services. Tourism is an important economic sector. It is one of the few economic opportunities available to small communities in the Northwest Territories. It is a cornerstone for diversifying our economy and it creates a stable market for arts and crafts, which embody our rich, northern heritage and cultural traditions.

Mr. Speaker, with all of the exciting opportunities taking place here, we continue to think about the work that the Government of the Northwest Territories is doing to ensure that the people of the Northwest Territories benefit from resource development opportunities, and we keep coming back to one conclusion.

It is not about the number of oil and gas jobs we get. It is not about how many miles of pipeline we build, nor is it about how many millions of dollars in revenues we raise. The value of our work lies in being able to improve the lives of the people who live here. That is how our success should be measured in the years and decades to come.

All of us want to live in vibrant, stable communities, speaking our own languages and immersed in the rich, cultural fabric that is our heritage.

Our goal is to ensure that residents, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal, whether living in large centres or small communities, all lead healthy, productive lives and have the opportunity to raise their children in communities steeped in rich cultural and linguistic traditions. All of us must work to protect, preserve and enrich our cultures and our languages to ensure that we do everything we can to see that they continue and that they thrive. At the end of the day, it is all about preserving the unique identify of the Northwest Territories that sets us apart.

A gradual process is underway - we are gaining a new collective sense of identify as people of the Northwest Territories. I feel a responsibility as Premier to make sure that the work of this government contributes to that process in the months and years to come.

In this context, I would like to take a moment to talk about National Aboriginal Day. During this session, we intend to introduce legislation that would propose to designate June 21st, National Aboriginal Day, as a statutory holiday in the Northwest Territories commencing in 2002. The government is introducing this legislation in response to support expressed by some of our municipalities and aboriginal organizations, and led by the MLA for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

I am aware that this may raise concerns for some members of the business community and that some of your constituents may have already expressed their concerns to you as Members of the Legislative Assembly.

I have tried to paint a picture for you today describing the ways that all of this increased economic activity is connected. We are entering a new era of cooperation, and much progress is being made in large measure because aboriginal people at last feel that their voices are being heard and that they are being included in the decision-making affecting their lives.

Think, then, of the tremendous expression of goodwill towards the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories that would result from broad public support for the designation of National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday. Think about what a powerful statement we will be making to the rest of Canada when we become the first jurisdiction in the country to honour National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday.

It would send a resounding and positive message about the place and importance of aboriginal cultures in the rich mosaic of the Northwest Territories. It would tell us and the rest of Canada what kind of a territory this is; what kind of people we are. If, in a spirit of harmony, we can acknowledge the aspirations of the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories and support them to reach their goals, while at the same time respecting the diversity of all our residents, then we will have made a major contribution in defining the emerging Northwest Territories.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Chairs and members of the standing committees for their support, contribution and willingness to work together to meet the needs of our constituents and to fulfill the vision we articulated one year ago in Towards a Better Tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, these are exciting and historic times. Since division, we have been building and developing a new identity for ourselves as a territory. Our ability to work together sets us apart from the people of most other places. With our combined resolve and creative energies, we can preserve our cultural heritage while at the same time being able to seize the opportunities before us. While we have made progress, we have a tremendous amount of work still ahead of us. Thank you very much.

-- Applause