The relationship between the distribution of electoral districts, the sunset clause and self-government negotiations was discussed at every meeting. In Deline, the former chief expressed his understanding that: "The purpose of the Sunset Clause was to force the GNWT to deal with self-government issues." Some presenters therefore expressed concerns that repealing the sunset clause at this time could affect self-government negotiations that are underway.
Others saw the self-government relationship differently. In Holman there seemed to be a general consensus that to wait for self-government negotiations to be completed before repealing the sunset clause could take many years. A speaker in Fort Smith thought that this report should include an emphasis on the importance of progress in self-government negotiations.
A representative speaking for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce said that he did not understand how "the threat of extinguishing this Legislature" would speed-up self-government negotiations. A Yellowknife resident, who introduced himself as formerly one of the active members of the Friends of Democracy, said that the Assembly should repeal the sunset clause and the government should "get on with the business of figuring out about self-government."
The sub-chief for the Deninu Ku'e First Nation explained that the treaty negotiations in which her First Nation is engaged are with the federal government. The Government of the NWT is an observer at these negotiations. Her First Nation, however, wants to work out a relationship with the GNWT and does not want to see the GNWT dissolved, as the sunset clause may be taken to imply.