Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is a committed partner along with the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Canada in the creation of a new regional government in the Beaufort-Delta. In partnership with Canada and the people of the Beaufort-Delta, we are making steady and measurable progress towards finalizing an Agreement-in-Principle, which we expect to be signed later this year.
For some time, the Beaufort-Delta Interim Regional Council, a body consisting of all regional and community governments in that region, have requested the establishment of a senior level position within the region that will coordinate and focus the GNWT's work in the region and in planning and preparation for the implementation of self-government. Similar requests have also been received directly from the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and one of the MLAs from the region.
Last winter, while attending the Beaufort-Delta Interim Regional Council meeting in Inuvik, I made a commitment that the GNWT would consider a request for such a position after a review of its present operational structure in the region. The Interim Regional Council subsequently passed a resolution at that meeting formally requesting such a position and their involvement in the establishment and recruitment processes.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that I have met twice with GNWT senior managers in Inuvik to seek their advice and suggestions on the establishment of a senior GNWT official in Inuvik, responsible for coordinating and planning at the regional level.
Over the course of the summer, GNWT regional managers and officials from the Beaufort-Delta Interim Regional Council office met to discuss this issue. Both groups supported the creation of such a position, which they saw to be an important bridge in continuing the dialogue and building trust amongst all governments in the region.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories intends to establish an executive director position in the Beaufort-Delta, as a pilot project for a one-year term. At the end of the pilot period, we will undertake an evaluation of the position. Based on the results of that evaluation, we will consider establishing similar positions in other regions of the territory.
Mr. Speaker, in keeping with our commitment to work in partnerships with governments in the Beaufort-Delta region, officials from our government will work with the Beaufort-Delta Interim Regional Office on all aspects of the hiring process for this position, including a joint interview and selection process. The executive director position will be a senior management position within the Department of the Executive and will report directly to the secretary to Cabinet.
Mr. Speaker, I expect the executive director position to be a valuable resource to both the GNWT and the Beaufort-Delta to carry out the government and the region's priorities and direction and in the planning and preparation for new governance structures in that region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.