Mahsi, Madam Chair. Madam Chair...(English not provided)
Madam Chair, I'd just to rephrase what I've said in my language about the importance of having an additional seat for Tlicho, as I presented here in motion format.
Madam Chair, with respect to what Members are saying around the table here and the vote that came into play, I understand the status quo position, especially from the outlying communities and the stress for the funding going to the communities. But at the same time, we, as the Tlicho Government and I representing Monfwi, try to work around the status quo of 19 Members. We met with the Akaitcho leadership back in September. We made some progress in that area, and the next level was another meeting with Akaitcho and the Tlicho, the chiefs and the grand chiefs, and we did meet in that area just a couple weeks back, discussing further how we can approach this issue. We presented to the Akaitcho leadership and the Yellowknife chiefs, both chiefs, were fully supportive of our initiative, and the same with Fort Res. Fort Res was somewhat being supportive, but he had to consult with his constituents and another chief from Lutselk'e.
So at that time, we left the table feeling that there was confidence in the room. But at the same time, Madam Chair, when we came back there was some discussion that took place and this issue was before us. It was a pressing issue and I had to get some confirmation from the chiefs in Yellowknife, but, unfortunately, there wasn't any agreement between the Akaitcho leadership.
So that left us with an option of going on our own to present this motion for a Tlicho seat. I stress in my language the importance of having a seat for the Tlicho riding, because I speak for the elders, I speak for members, the youth; it's not my words. Those words are the guidance and direction I'm given from my constituents. The leadership are currently in a Tlicho Government assembly in Behchoko and they'll be hearing stories tomorrow how this turns out with the motion.
But like I said, the status quo, like I've told some Members, we really need to focus in the smaller communities that we're representing. I've already stated my opinion in an earlier statement. I've touched on various issues. So I'd just like to leave it at that, just finalizing that this important motion is before the Members and I hope the Members will consider it. I'll leave it at that. Mahsi.