Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River has almost run out of land. Hay River is currently developing its last remaining residential property. Only a few lots are left in our industrial and commercial land bank. The town owns another piece of property, but it will take at least three years to drain it to the point where it can be ready for development.

The town has approached the territorial government to transfer additional Commissioner's land. The land is needed for residential and commercial purposes. Winter is fast approaching and potential buyers could use the autumn to prepare for summer construction next year.

Mr. Speaker, this past spring, the territorial government approved Hay River's general plan, which had included a request for land to be transferred over to the town. The Deh Cho First Nations interim measures final agreement requires the government to consult with affected Deh Cho nations before selling or leasing undeveloped Commissioner's land identified in the general plan. The general plan already has the written approval of the K'atlodeeche First Nation. The West Point First Nation has offered conditional support and approval, but one of the conditions is that they need to be funded to undertake a general plan of their own. This request doesn't fall within the mandate or jurisdiction of the Town of Hay River to address.

I was very encouraged by a recent conversation with the president of the Northwest Territories Metis Nation and an article in the Hub, where the chief negotiator for the Metis Nation stated, "We have had no communication with MACA involving any proposals from the Town of Hay River. And if there is a dialogue and Metis interests are addressed in an equitable fashion, we're interested in moving forward if the town is interested."

Mr. Speaker, many communities in our territory are growing as a result of increased resource development. More land is needed to meet current and forecasted demands for residential and commercial properties. The Deh Cho interim measures final agreement provides a blueprint for a respectable process between First Nations, municipalities and the territorial government for the transfer of Commissioner's land, but the details of that process have to be worked out in practice.

Since at the end of the day it is the GNWT that moves ahead with the decision about whether or not to transfer the land, it needs to clearly communicate with the Town of Hay River and other municipalities in similar circumstances on the process requiring land. The general plan for Hay River has been signed off. The Town of Hay River has done its part. The affected First Nations within the Deh Cho have been consulted and, inasmuch as is possible, the Town of Hay River has done what it can to address the conditions of the West Point First Nation. The NWT Metis Association apparently would be amendable to entering into discussions with the town and the department. I understand that the town has been advised of some requirements...

Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, please.