Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about some of the broader issues affecting the way our government operates and some of what may seem to be new trends. These subtle changes in the way we do business may make perfect sense to the people who are involved firsthand, from a front row seat. But, if not communicated well, people are left to speculate as to their significance. Better communication on the part of this government is necessary. I am referring to the questions which were recently raised concerning the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the Gwich'in and the creation of a new regional director's position in the Beaufort- Delta. What surfaces in the MOU seemingly sets off a few alarms and triggers some debate is the involvement of an Aboriginal government in the GNWT capital planning process and first dibs on 50 percent of the government contracts let in that region. The press release regarding the creation of the regional director's position at almost the same time clearly indicates that this office will be responsible for coordinating communication and activities amongst the various levels of governments in the Beaufort-Delta. This position was filled, not through conventional GNWT hiring practices, but in consultation with governments in the region.
For years in the North, we talked about political evolution, Aboriginal self-government and First Nations governments assuming more responsibilities and authorities in their respective regions. Therefore, when we start to see movement on this front, it should not come as too big of a surprise. However people in the public who follow politics and even some of us who have sat around debating the options of constitutional reform and governance models for many years sometimes picture these things in a fairly abstract versus specific way. So let's just analyze these recent announcements in light of previous precedents, good process practices and maybe in terms of how better communication might have put them in the context of a continuum of change that's been actually going on for years.
First, on the issue of having an Aboriginal government involved in this government's capital planning process, it's been the practice of this government to notify municipalities and local leaders of their intent for capital projects for some time now. It has been done in an attempt to determine if there is agreement on what priorities for equipment, renovations and capital infrastructure are for people who are served by these programs and facilities. Consulting with an Aboriginal government is the very same thing, only perhaps with a more regional perspective which is good for many reasons. No community is an island or stand-alone. That what is available in the region, would or could be devolved to smaller communities is a very important lens. Capital planning is a process. We may have views about who should be doing it, deputy ministers, Ministers, MLAs, but bottom line, Mr. Speaker, it's a job that needs to get done. Thank you. I will conclude this statement tomorrow. Thank you.