Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The negotiations process is a path that is taken when the parties believe they can make an agreement. My hope is
that the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Dehcho First Nations still believe they can work together.
Recently, the GNWT made an offer to the Dehcho First Nations in its efforts to move negotiations forward. However, as well intended the offer is, accusations of a “take it or leave it approach “and terse name calling has taken an unfortunate turn rather than examining the full merits of the offer and contemplating a counter offer.
It is my belief that the negotiations process is about working out issues and arriving at a common point of mutual interests. Before abandoning the negotiations, all options should be explored in the best interests of moving negotiations forward.
I will have questions for the Minister of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations later when I am given the opportunity.