Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is an economic development forum that was created by the Intergovernmental Forum. It is accountable to all three parties, not only to us here in the Government of the Northwest Territories through the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, but it is also answerable to the federal Department of DIAND as well as the representatives on the Aboriginal Summit. This Economic Development Advisory Forum was created by all of these representatives of the three parties.

The mandate is to provide recommendations to the Intergovernmental Forum regarding priorities, directions, policy development and program design and implementation related to economic development in the Northwest Territories.

It is a good example of a collaboration that is possible when parties with an interest in northern economic development work together.

Canada, the Aboriginal Summit and the Government of the Northwest Territories collaborated on the screening and appointment of members. All three parties solicited names through a variety of processes, including approaching elected leaders for suggestions and placing advertisements in News/North, inviting interested people to submit their names.

Eighteen individuals have been appointed by the intergovernmental leaders to the Economic Development Advisory Forum, representing a broad cross-section of economic interests in the Northwest Territories. That is the make-up of this advisory forum. Thank you.