Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs' 2005-2006 Main Estimates for the committee's consideration.
The proposed operational budget for the ministry is $8.198 million. This is a $265,000, or 3.1 percent, net decrease from the 2004-2005 Main Estimates due to the following factors:
- $297,000 in budget reductions, primarily in the areas of travel and contract services, as well as a reduction of one position;
- a $30,000 net increase in term funding to resource devolution negotiations; and
- a $2,000 increase from Public Works and Services to assist with increase TSC chargebacks.
The resources will be used in support of the ministry's primary objective which is to represent our government and protect the interests of all residents of the NWT in the negotiations of lands, resources and self-government agreements, as well as devolution and resource revenue sharing agreements. Furthermore, the ministry is tasked with maintaining mutually beneficial working relationships with aboriginal governments.
Negotiations
The ministry is currently involved in the nine negotiation tables: Beaufort-Delta, formally known as the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit; Deline; Tulita; Deh Cho; Akaitcho; Northwest Territory Metis Nation; Saskatchewan Denesuline; Manitoba Denesuline; and devolution and resource revenue sharing. Once negotiations are concluded, the ministry is also responsible for coordinating and overseeing the GNWT-wide implementation of the settled agreements.
These negotiations are usually tripartite in nature and vary in complexity. For instance, the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit are working towards a regional style of self-government, the first ever in Canada, and the communities of Deline and Tulita are aspiring for a community-style self-government. A combined lands, resources and self-government agreement will result in four public community governments and a Tlicho regional government in the Tlicho settlement area.
To date, the Beaufort-Delta and Deline have signed agreements-in-principle and are working on their final self-government agreements. As we all know, the Tlicho Final Agreement recently received Royal Assent. All parties have also now agreed upon an effective date of August 4, 2005.
Progress is also being made on other lands, resources and self-government tables. The Northwest Territory Metis Nation expects to have a draft agreement-in-principle this summer. The Akaitcho Dene First Nations look forward to signing a principles document during Minister Andy Scott's visit this summer. The GNWT fully supports these objectives and is working with Canada, and the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and Akaitcho to achieve them.
Devolution
Through discussions on the Northern Strategy, the Prime Minister agreed that devolution is a priority and has targeted an agreement-in-principle for this spring and a final agreement in 2006.
Claims Implementation Activities
In addition to the operational budget, the ministry receives $313,000 from the Government of Canada to fund three positions to coordinate and manage GNWT implementation activities flowing from the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Sahtu land claim agreements.
- • With respect to the Sahtu Final Agreement, the ministry, the Government of Canada and the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated successfully negotiated a new 10-year Sahtu implementation plan. In recognizing the increased level of activity in the Sahtu settlement area, the new plan includes a substantial increase in operational funding for the various Sahtu land claim boards, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and the renewable resources councils;
- • With respect to the Gwich'in Final Agreement, the ministry is working with the Gwich'in Tribal Council, Canada and a contractor to produce an educational CD-ROM for school-age children in the Gwich'in settlement area. The CD-ROM highlights the history and content of the Gwich'in Land Claim Agreement;
- • The ministry is working closely with GNWT departments, the Tlicho and Canada to ensure that all pre-implementation activities are completed prior to the August 4, 2005, effective date; and
- • In follow-up to the Auditor General's recommendations, the Inuvialuit, Gwich'in and Sahtu implementation committees agreed that their respective annual reports should be more results-based. Historically, the annual reports have only reported on activities and accomplishments of the previous year. Results-based reporting will strengthen the reporting process by helping the parties to define clear objectives and measurable indicators. With measurable indicators, the parties will be able to determine success over time with respect to implementing land claim activities and obligations. The ministry is working with each of the implementation committees to overhaul the format of the annual reports, consistent with recommendations put forward by the Auditor General.
This concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.