Thank you, Madam Chair. Just getting back to the activity description that Public Works and Services has in their budget, the first part is the directorate, and I have no qualms with the activities of the directorate and basic description here, but I just want to point out something in the second paragraph where the director coordinates activities in support of GNWT's priorities and department goals, and maintains effective communication with department staff, as well as other departments, governments, the private sector and aboriginal and other special interest groups. To me, Madam Chair, I don't view aboriginal governments as special interest groups, and I don't think this government should either, whether it's in an activity description or not. I think this contributes to the lack of this government's various departments to fully recognize that the aboriginal governments, whether emerging or settled self-governments, are legitimate governments. I would effectively communicate with other staff, other departments and aboriginal governments, I think would be more fitting of a description for this department and any other government department. Like I said, to me, aboriginal governments are governments and they will be legitimate governments. We do have legitimate aboriginal governments, and I think they should be described as legitimate governments and make it known in the department that aboriginal governments are not interest groups, and I don't agree with the description that says they are. Thank you.
Robert Villeneuve on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 13th, 2006. 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
February 12th, 2006
Page 971
See context to find out what was said next.