If the sunset clause were allowed to legally come into effect it would not only seriously damage the status of the GNWT within Canada but could also affect self-government and even land claims negotiations. The committee cannot recommend retaining a law that nobody wants to see brought into effect.
To defer the clause for another Assembly to consider would be simply to put off the problem of dealing with it, with the same options once more to be considered. The strongest reason for its retention would be to allow more time for its consideration. The committee does not find this to be sufficient reason.
The accomplishments in self-government, land claims and treaty negotiations during the past three years have shown that we will continue to make progress together. The sunset clause, then, is something that we should put behind us as we move on, in a positive spirit, to grapple with changes in the arrangements for the governance of our Territory. It is in this spirit that we recommend its repeal. Mr. Speaker,