Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is our last day of session before April 1, 2014, the last day in this House before a very significant day and date in the history of the NWT, and I don’t mean April Fool’s Day, Mr. Speaker.
On April 1, 2014, we will receive control over our lands and resources. That power will be devolved from the federal government to the NWT government. It is indeed an historic date, one which will be remembered and celebrated in the future.
It’s been a long time coming – decades, in fact – and this transfer is the result of the hard work of many, many people, GNWT staff in particular. Some are still with government; others have retired or moved on. Regardless, they are all owed a huge thank you.
As legislators, we provide direction and then turn it over to staff, who slog their way through the details of negotiating of agreements, the analysis of the
coming change, the organization of countless meetings. Without our staff providing backup, logistics, briefing notes, advice and countless other things, devolution would not be happening.
Credit must also go to Premier McLeod and his Cabinet, and to his office for the work done to draw Aboriginal governments into the devolution fold. That work is not easy and it required serious and prolonged commitment to engage and understand our partner governments. I hope to soon see the last couple of governments sign on to the Devolution Agreement.
I did not think in 2007, when I ran for office and was elected, that I would see devolution in my time here, and I’m very glad to be proved wrong. April 1st marks a milestone in the history of the NWT and an indication of our maturing as a Canadian jurisdiction. I’m honoured to be part of this historic event and I look forward to celebrating it with the Premier on April 1st . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.