Some aboriginal groups are frustrated with talk on devolution because they are not focused on devolution, they are focused on settling their aboriginal claim or process. Some aboriginal groups, on the other hand, are frustrated because they already have claims and we're not moving the next step. They feel they're losing economic opportunities and so on. So my view is that we need to continue to negotiate devolution, but do it in a way that it's not going to interfere or prejudice negatively anything with those groups who don't yet have settled their aboriginal rights; so the Akaitcho people, Deh Cho, for example. I want to be very careful that we're not somehow going to pre-empt them or trump something that they're doing. I've remained very open with them. I met with the Akaitcho chiefs in Ottawa while I was there and we talked about their process and about some of their frustration in trying to keep their negotiations moving. I saw some of the documentation they have on devolution and I have told them I will not do anything that's going to jeopardize what they are doing. If we ever cross that line, then I hope they will tell us that we have crossed it, but so far it seems to be working in way that they can't say we've done anything yet that's going to compromise their position. Thank you.
Joe Handley on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on October 28th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
October 27th, 2004
Page 1065
See context to find out what was said next.