Mr. Speaker, we all want to make a better land and resource management regime for the people of the Northwest Territories. This is one of the reasons we support devolution efforts. This motion runs counter to the intent of the draft agreement-in-principle which proposes a Government of the Northwest Territories to aboriginal government relationship that contemplates a political forum related to resource management and its regulatory regime in the Northwest Territories that respects all governments’ authorities. It would be disingenuous of this government and the Assembly to launch out on a separate initiative. Further, the land claim agreements already provide for land use plans to be developed for claimant regions that will reflect the values and principles of the citizens of that region. In fact, as Members are aware, a number of plans are already in various stages of development and approval. We find the motion to be well intentioned but fails to consider the current negotiations and existing mechanisms related to land management.

The motion would also require an investment of significant resources that are simply not available. However, resources will become available as a result of devolution, which will lead to the overall review and renewal of the land and resource management regime in the Northwest Territories within the context of a government-to-government relationship.

We must also recognize that the transition of regimes under a federal system to a territorial system will have to be carefully managed to allow for as smooth a transition as possible. The fact that mirror legislation may be put in place as an initial step should not discourage anyone. Such a process would allow the Government of the Northwest Territories and aboriginal governments to collaborate with all stakeholders, and future legislators will be able to manage the necessary legislative changes as they deem best. The Member’s motion, inasmuch as it supports the goals of devolution, is positive; however, it is our view that it is not practical in this point in time. For this reason, Cabinet will be abstaining from the motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.