Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last June I made a Member’s statement about Cabinet communication and consensus government. As I indicated then, I believe in consensus government. I feel that it can and does work. However, for it to
be effective, it will take cooperation from all Members: those in Cabinet and those on this side of the House. Unfortunately, open two way communication and open dialogue does not always occur.
Toward the end of the May–June session I was optimistic that effective two way communication between Cabinet and the rest of us was going to be a reality. Since then there has been improved communication in some areas — unfortunately, not in all areas.
Specifically, I’m talking about the recent actions undertaken by the Premier with respect to advancing the devolution and resource revenue sharing negotiations with the federal government. I’m not criticizing the proposal the Premier has presented to the federal government. It may be a great deal. It may be the best deal that this territory can get. It may even be the right deal.
My problem is that we the 11 Regular Members of the 16th Legislative Assembly don’t have or know
any of the details of this proposal. Resource revenue sharing and devolution are incredibly important to the future of the Northwest Territories. As elected officials all 19 of us need to have input and provide some direction on where we as a territory go with respect to these issues. Unfortunately, we are once again being told by Cabinet what’s being done. We are not included in decision-making and are not being permitted to work together in the best interest of the people of the Northwest Territories.
Today I’d like to encourage the Premier and Cabinet to think about the commitment each of them made during the first TLC of this Assembly: a commitment to work together. Further, I would like to remind you that membership on Executive Council is a privilege, and a four-year term is not guaranteed. Working together is critical for the success of this Legislature and consensus government.
At the appropriate time I’ll be asking the Premier some questions on the status of the devolution and resource revenue sharing agreement between Cabinet and the federal government.