Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s with regret that I’ll say that at this time I’m unable to support this motion. I’m concerned about the delay and the suggestion of the delay. You don’t have to be a Conservative to recognize that the Conservative Government is trying to help this territory with devolution. Any further delay or intentions or signals from this House that we want a delay or any stoppage of the devolution agreements on file could set us back years.
Undoubtedly, I would say I’ve always supported the aspirations of the Aboriginal peoples and self-government. I continue to say that today. They always will have my support on that. I recognize that the spirit and intent that they want full participation from all groups. As we’ve seen even in the past under the Aboriginal Summit how things start off with good intentions and run into trouble, I’m only worried that a commission may delay the process even further more than 12 months by setting it back much, much further.
As I said, I regret not being able to support it, but the spirit and the intent of the motion really says one thing to me, which is: Aboriginal governments need to be full partners of the negotiated process for our devolution, and I stand here today to say that that recognition needs to be on the forefront of any further negotiations our government makes with Canada. I will stand with them to ensure that those doors are open for them. I will continue to support their efforts as they proceed with their own self-government agreements. Like I say, I respect and honour the spirit but at this time I’m concerned about the delays.