Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on November 2, 2006, regarding constitutional discussions with people of the NWT.
The Government of the Northwest Territories and various northern aboriginal governments are currently involved in aboriginal rights and devolution negotiations with the Government of Canada. These negotiations are expected to lead to the transfer or jurisdiction over resources and other programs to aboriginal and public governments in the Northwest Territories. The GNWT believes that these negotiations are the reality of political and constitutional development in the Northwest Territories.
The GNWT has worked hard to build partnerships at these tables and we continue to believe that working with these partners offers the best possibility for the people of the NWT to gain control over our lands and resources and to secure our rightful place within the Canadian federation.
Mr. Yakeleya also asked if I would consider meeting with the MLAs sometime during the next 10 months and I can say that I am available to meet with the Members whenever our schedules permit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.