Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on February 18, 2005, regarding land claims within municipal boundaries.
The GNWT has entered into negotiations framework agreements with Canada and the aboriginal groups in unsettled claim areas in the NWT. These framework agreements guide parties in Deh Cho process negotiations, Akaitcho process negotiations and Northwest Territory Metis Nation process negotiations. Framework agreements identify a number of subjects that, over the course of negotiations, will apply or present issues within community boundaries.
These three sets of negotiations are in the early stages of developing agreements-in-principle. Over the course of negotiations leading to an agreement-in-principle, and ultimately final agreements, the GNWT will keep local governments informed of developments at these negotiations as well as seeking their views on matters that will directly affect them.
In addition, the GNWT has entered into interim measures agreements with these aboriginal groups. These interim measures are designed to provide comfort to the aboriginal group in that, while negotiations are ongoing, the GNWT will consult with them on certain matters that are also potential subjects for negotiations. For example, the GNWT consults with these aboriginal groups prior to issuing new forest management authorizations or when considering selling or leasing Commissioner's lands in their territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.