Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Intergovernmental Forum that we had undertaken a couple of years now with the federal government along with the aboriginal governments to appoint negotiators. The federal government has recently negotiated the former Premier of Ontario, David Peterson and his first initial visit, and upon questioning his terms of reference we find out that his terms of reference are from DIAND representing the federal government and his mandate is to negotiate the programs and services that DIAND currently provides in the Northwest Territories.

This Intergovernmental Forum is for devolution of the powers and authorities. It is still controlled by Canada, our lands, water and resources. The intention here in the Intergovernmental Forum on our part, and the Aboriginal Summit's part, from what I gather, is to gain control in the North of the lands, waters and resources, including the royalties and the taxes that flow from the development of our resources.

At this initial meeting, we found that David Peterson does not have the mandate from Finance Canada which would deal with the net fiscal benefits of resources and revenues flowing from the resources. So I will answer as such. Thank you.