Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to do a progress report on the work of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause.
Mr. Speaker, the committee is pleased to report that following the conclusion of its report on the sunset clause it has moved to the second phase of its mandate relating to the implementation of self-government. Mr. Speaker, the committee's mandate which is attached in annex A, requires it to examine a range of potential issues and trends arising from the implementation of self-government that are likely to have implications for the Legislative Assembly and for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
However, the committee recognizes and its mandate requires that interference with negotiations must be avoided. The committee will respect this requirement and will focus on general trends and issues rather than on the particular details of agreements.
Mr. Speaker, as the momentum towards conclusion of self-government negotiations continues, there is an ongoing need to prepare for and carry out implementation planning. Implementation of self-government can be anticipated to bring changes to the nature of governance in the Northwest Territories. In order to have a smooth and successful transition it will be necessary to identify matters that can be incorporated into the Legislative Assembly's planning cycle.
Meetings to Date
Mr. Speaker, the committee had planning meetings in August and September. A preliminary work plan and schedule have been prepared and are attached as annex B.
Overview
Mr. Speaker, for more than 20 years the Assembly and GNWT have supported the negotiation of self-government negotiations. As we approach the implementation stage for some of these agreements, and even though many details still have to be worked out, the overall emerging governance picture is becoming clearer.
Mr. Speaker, the negotiated documents to date are long and often complex and will potentially result in numerous changes in the legislative and policy sectors and in the practical and operational delivery of programs and services.
Changing roles and responsibilities can best be accommodated by careful planning as was the case during the historic creation of Nunavut. Unlike the creation of Nunavut, however, the implementation of self-government in the Northwest Territories will not result in separate territories. It will challenge all governments in the Northwest Territories to find ways to work closely together for the benefit of all residents.
Mr. Speaker, new relationships within the Northwest Territories as well as changing relationships with the Government of Canada can be expected. Citizens of the Northwest Territories must be able to rely on uninterrupted program and service delivery and clear accountability as we go forward.
The committee is hopeful that its work will contribute to processes for ensuring smooth and successful transitions as self-government agreements come into effect in various regions of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the committee also realizes the importance of self-government to many stakeholders in the Northwest Territories and to the Canadian public in general. In addition, there is an international audience that closely watches the unfolding of new political models in the Canadian North.
The committee will seek input from stakeholders and the public through a consultation process which will be developed in the coming months.
General Approach
Mr. Speaker, in order to bring some order to the broad range of issues anticipated within the scope of the work of the committee, the preliminary work plan calls for a technical analysis of potential institutional and structural issues which might affect changes in the jurisdiction, institutions and procedures of the Legislative Assembly and the GNWT.
To complement this technical analysis, the committee will also look at potential practical and operational issues relating to the delivery of programs and services, intergovernmental relations and so on.
Mr. Speaker, the committee intends to make recommendations to the Assembly to address short, medium and longer-term issues. Given that most implementation activities in relation to self-government will likely occur after the term of the current Assembly, these recommendations may also be taken into account by future Assemblies and governments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the committee is committed to fulfilling this second phase of its mandate in a manner that contributes to the implementation of self-government and to the evolution of governance in the Northwest Territories for the benefit of all residents.
Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the special committee. Therefore,
I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Great Slave, that the progress report of the Special Committee on the Implementation of Self-Government and the Sunset Clause be received and adopted. Thank you.