Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am certainly honoured to speak in support of this historic motion in the House today.

This government is committed to creating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the Northwest Territories. We want a strong, diversified economy that creates long-term sustainable prosperity for our residents. Devolution will finally give this government, those of us gathered in the Chamber here today and the many governments that come after us, the tools and authorities to make that happen.

Our natural resources are the source of our wealth and prosperity. We have abundant oil and gas resources, minerals, rare earths and hydro potential that will fuel economic growth in the NWT and contribute in a great way to the overall Canadian economy. Responsible and sustainable development of those resources will create more jobs and opportunities to local businesses well into the future.

We have long held the decisions that influence the business and economy of our territory are better guided and managed by the people who live and work here. That’s the best way we can make sure that the NWT residents benefit from the development of resources located here in the NWT and it’s the best way we can make sure that development fits our priorities and our values.

With the final agreement on the devolution of authorities over public lands, water and resources, the people of our territory will finally have the power to plan and guide how we use and develop our natural resource wealth sustainably and responsibly. It will give us the ability to make sure our residents benefit from development in our territory and manage any environmental or social impacts.

For the first time in our history, we will be able to take control of the decisions affecting our economy and generate our own revenues to invest in our territory. New responsibilities will mean new jobs in the Northwest Territories and we are continuing to look at opportunities for decentralization as we work on an organizational design.

A revenue sharing agreement with our Aboriginal governments will open the doors for strong, viable and sustainable partnerships. Finally, we will be able to take a proactive, not a reactive, approach to economic decision-making here at home. The Government of the Northwest Territories will be able to look to the future and be able to plan for it. And, Mr. Speaker, we’ve already started.

In this session I’ve tabled the reports from the Economic Opportunities Strategy Advisory Panel and from the Mineral Development Strategy Advisory Panel, and when devolution comes, we are going to be ready to make the most of the

opportunity for all of our residents responsibly and sustainably.

Economic development needs infrastructure and this government is already making investments that will help to support growth. With the support of Members, we began construction on the Inuvik to Tuk highway earlier this year, and as part of a completed Mackenzie Valley Highway, this road will support increased exploration and development both on shore and offshore and connect the North and its resources to the rest of this country. Going forward, we will soon table a proposal with Canada that will help guide investments in our transportation infrastructure over the next decade and position us to clearly take advantage of our Devolution Agreement.

I have heard from my constituents and people across the Northwest Territories. They want the opportunities and benefits that devolution will bring. They understand the potential risks and rewards that come from responsibility and that responsibility that we will be receiving, but they have elected us to work in their best interest and I believe devolution is, indeed, in everybody’s best interest who lives in the Northwest Territories.

In closing, I just wanted to give thanks to Members I’ve served with in the past in the three governments previous to this one. I want to thank the Members that are here with us in the House today on this historic occasion. I want to also thank the Aboriginal governments and partners that have helped us reach today’s milestone. I also mentioned earlier the devolution team that we have in the gallery today and all the hard work that they’ve put in.

In closing, I really do believe that we have a great deal of thanks to give to our Premier, Bob McLeod. Under his leadership and guidance, we’ve been able to get where we’re at. He’s able to build partnerships, build respect amongst our partners, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for getting us where we’re at today.