Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Based on the conclusions we have outlined in our address to the Assembly today, we make the following recommendations:
- The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures should be given responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the implications which implementation of self-government agreements will have on the powers, structures and procedures of the Legislative Assembly.
- The GNWT should formally designate a sole point of accountability for developing a comprehensive action plan for implementation. This department, ministry or agency should prepare the GNWT and NWT communities for implementation of self-government agreements and should oversee this transition within the regions and communities.
- A cooperative, arm's-length research body or think-tank should be created which is dedicated to the study of governance systems and practical operational issues associated with the implementation of self-government agreements in the NWT.
The Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, with this new mandate, should carry through with these subsequent actions, Mr. Speaker:
4. Conduct a comprehensive study of the legislative powers of the Assembly, and those set out in self-government agreements and relevant documents, in order to provide a framework for analyzing potential areas where overlap is most likely and where amendment or harmonization can reasonably be anticipated.
5. Examine options for formal or informal structures and procedures for coordinating and harmonizing legislation, policies and practices among northern governments, where no such mechanisms have been identified in a self-government agreement.
6. Review current legislative procedures and processes to identify issues and options respecting:
- consultations among governments on their respective legislative initiatives
- informing the Assembly of ongoing legislative initiatives required to implement self-government agreements
- possible mechanisms relating to consent of an aboriginal party to territorial legislation, where such a requirement is set out in a self-government agreement, and
- the appropriate role of the Assembly in any such consultation and consent processes.
7. Identify current legislation and Assembly rules which are likely to require amendment as a result of implementation of self-government agreements.
8. Consider an appropriate role for the Legislative Assembly in building capacity for legislators at a local or regional level through joint workshops, seminars, research functions, and so on.
9. Prepare an action plan for the development of the Legislative Assembly's internal capacity to monitor and plan for the potential changes arising from implementation of self-government agreements.
10. Institute a regular and systematic approach for reviewing issues associated with implementation of self-government agreements, similar to the review of GNWT structures and functions which is undertaken as a transition measure prior to each general election.
Mr. Speaker, I would now like to pass the balance of the report back over to our co-chair, Ms. Lee, for conclusion. Thank you.