Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won't take long, we'll have a lot of chance to discuss this bill in detail, but I will rise here today to offer my support for the principle of this legislation, to the principle of this bill.
As Members have said, this will recognize the self-government and land claim aspirations and dreams of the Tlicho people. I acknowledge and admit that four years ago when I was elected, I had very little knowledge about the dreams and aspirations of this First Nation. I can say that I know a heck of a lot more today than I did four years ago, and that's due in large part to the tireless efforts of Leon Lafferty who has been quite an advocate, I must say, for this legislation and for the Tlicho people over the last four years, and has continually been down the hall to discuss progress and their aspirations and dreams with me in my office, and try to encourage me to support the legislation and to work to understand the agreement.
It's very important legislation. It is, in fact, constitutional development. I hope that this legislature and our committee will give it the respect and the full consideration that I believe it deserves, and I look forward to that process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.