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.