Mr. Speaker, earlier this month the federal Court of Appeal made a ruling that clarifies the constitutional status of the Northwest Territories. The appeal court ruled that the NWT is legally separate from the federal government. This is the clearest ruling on this point made so far by the courts.

The Court of Appeal ruling concerns a lawsuit brought against the territorial government by the Federation Franco-TéNOise. This group argued that the territorial government was an agent of the federal Crown and, therefore, the case should be heard in the federal court. I am gratified to see that the appeal court has agreed with our position that this case should be heard in a northern court.

Mr. Speaker, this may be the most important development this government has seen since 1986. That was the year that the Premier and Cabinet took over full executive powers from the Commissioner.

For years, there have been questions about the constitutional status of the Territories. Various groups and individuals have argued that the Territories are, in fact, a branch of the federal government. The appeal court's decision confirms our view that the territorial government has authority over its own affairs and the power to make its own decisions. While we do not enjoy all the powers that a province has, we are responsible for ourselves and are not just an agent of the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, in 1975 the people of the NWT chose their very first fully elected government. Eleven years later we achieved responsible government with decisions being made by the elected representatives of the people, not by an appointed Commissioner. Our Territory continues to evolve, Mr. Speaker, and this court decision is an important step in that evolution. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause