Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 2002, I had the pleasure of signing the Salt River First Nation Treaty Settlement Agreement on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

After several years of negotiations, a Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement has been reached that represents the fulfillment of Canada's obligations to Salt River First Nation, based on Treaty 8, which was signed over 100 years ago. Finalizing this agreement was a historic event for members of the Salt River First Nation. We expect that this agreement will go to the Treasury Board in March, after which it is expected Canada will give its final approval.

Mr. Speaker, this agreement will benefit not only the members of Salt River First Nation but also the residents of Fort Smith and the entire Northwest Territories.

Under the terms of the agreement, Canada will pay Salt River First Nation $83,180,000 over five years and provide 166 square miles of reserve land at 20 locations in the Northwest Territories and Wood Buffalo National Park. This will enable Salt River First Nation to improve the standard of living for their members and to provide business and employment opportunities in the future.

I would ask Members to join me in congratulating the members of the Salt River First Nation on this historic agreement. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work of the negotiating teams representing the Salt River First Nation and Canada. It is also important to publicly recognize the hard work of our negotiating team led by chief negotiator, Mr. Hugh Richardson, and the many GNWT officials who contributed to the successful completion of this agreement.

Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to participating in the ceremonial signing and celebration of the treaty settlement agreement in Fort Smith later this summer. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause