Yes, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased to speak to Bill 15, Tlicho Community Services Agency Act. This bill was developed in consultation with the Tlicho Treaty 11 Council team and is the final piece of territorial legislation required to ratify the Tlicho agreement. It follows the Settlement Act passed by the 14th Assembly in October 2003 and the Tlicho Community Government Act passed by our government in June 2004.

I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Tlicho, GNWT and federal negotiating teams that have enabled us to arrive at this final stage of the legislative process.

Before I speak to this bill specifically, I would like to share a few comments on the Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement as a whole.

The Tlicho agreement is the first agreement in the Northwest Territories to combine land, resources and self-government in a single agreement. It materializes the vision held by Chief Monfwi at the signing of Treaty 11 in 1921 and has set a new standard for land and self-government agreements across the country.

The Tlicho agreement provides certainty for all levels of government and industry with respect to lands, resources, governance and jurisdiction. It also leaves room for self-government to evolve over time. The implementation of this agreement will increase the political and economic stability of our territory and mark the beginning of a strong economic future for the Tlicho region, the Northwest Territories and all Canadians.

The Tlicho people have invested over a decade of hard work and millions of dollars to get to where we are today. Their commitment came one step closer to fruition in December when the federal Tlicho bill received third reading. I was happy to hear that Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and a large delegation of elders and chiefs were able to be in the House of Commons when the Tlicho bill received third reading. It was indeed an historic moment -- and one that was celebrated, not only by those on Parliament Hill, but by Tlicho people back home in their communities -- as they watched and cheered the vote from their homes, their work and their schools.

Most recently, the federal bill received third reading in the Senate and was given Royal Assent. I was honoured to appear before both the House of Commons and Senate standing committees to express the GNWT's support for the rapid passage of the Tlicho bill. The Tlicho Community Services Agency Act, which is before you now, is our final step. The act provides for the establishment of an agency to deliver education, health and social services to all residents living in Tlicho communities or on Tlicho lands.

In accordance with the Tlicho Intergovernmental Services Agreement, the agency will continue to perform the functions of the existing Dogrib Community Services Board. This includes the duties of the Dogrib Divisional Education Council under the Education Act, which is to deliver the K to 12 education program consistent with the standards established by the GNWT. The new agency will also perform the functions of a board of management under the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act. In summary, the model will continue to build upon the integrated delivery of health, education and social services.

In addition, the agency may, with the consent of the GNWT, perform a variety of additional roles assigned or delegated to it by the Tlicho government or by the Government of Canada. The GNWT may assign additional responsibilities to the agency in consultation with the other parties.

The model that has been incorporated in the Tlicho Community Services Agency recognizes the advantages of using one system to deliver core programs to all people living in Tlicho communities or on Tlicho lands. The agency will be composed of five members. Four members will be selected by the Tlicho community governments, which will be elected by all community residents. The Government of the Northwest Territories will appoint the fifth member, who will also be the chairperson. The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs will be the political point of contact between the Tlicho government and the GNWT for matters related to the new agency. The departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment will continue to have the primary role in working with staff on day-to-day operational matters.

Already, the Tlicho have been active in creating social and education programs to better meet their needs. This includes a scholarship program to assist students who will become the future professionals and leaders in the Tlicho government. The Dogrib Treaty 11 Council funded an Addictions Strategy that has already produced 20 trained addictions counsellors to serve residents in Tlicho.

The establishment of the Tlicho Community Services Agency is a testimony to how public and aboriginal governments can, and will, work in collaboration to ensure the interests and rights of all people are protected. It provides that practical arrangements can be made within the context of self-government to meet the interests of all residents of the Northwest Territories. It is an example of true partnership.

I urge all of you to approve the Tlicho Community Services Agency Act as soon as possible and in doing so embark on a new era for the Tlicho nation, residents of the Northwest Territories and Canada. At this time I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. Mahsi cho.

---Applause