Mr. Speaker, we are really getting into the process for developing next year's budget and I cannot give a lot of detail on exactly what the numbers are going to be. We are moving through that process. We have heard what the committees have said in reviewing the business plans and I can assure the Member that all of that is being taken into consideration. There will be an opportunity to review the main estimates in committees again, and then again on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I really cannot get into details on next year's budget at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. The time for oral questions has expired. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to the opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Workers' Compensation Board 2001 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 13, tabling of documents. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Towards Excellence, A Report on Education in the Northwest Territories, September 2002. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 13, tabling of documents. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Climate Change Draft Plan, Achieving our Commitments Together. Climate Change Draft Plan is the federal government's draft in regard to the Kyoto agreement.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. We have already passed tabling of documents, Members. The Chair recognizes the Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to go back to item 13, tabling of documents.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 13, tabling of documents. There are no nays, Mr. Krutko, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table an Economic Development Plan Workshop, And Action Plan for the community of Fort McPherson.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 13, tabling of documents. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to table an expenditure plan in regard to the Northwest Territories highways for the next four years.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 13, tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for the first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. We have a motion on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. Is the House ready for the question? All those in favour, please signify. Thank you. All those opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with first reading of Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to proceed with first reading of Bill 29. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You...

-- Interjection

There are no nays. I did not hear...the Chair did not hear a nay.

Just a minute. Thank you. The Chair did not hear a nay when it was called. Mr. Steen, you may proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, that Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, No. 2, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.