Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Dehcho First Nations has written, through legal counsel, to inform the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada that the Dehcho First Nations is pursuing litigation against both governments. The correspondence accuses the Government of the Northwest Territories of negotiating in bad faith. The Government of the Northwest Territories does not negotiate in bad faith. The Government of the Northwest Territories understands that it is not bad faith to have officials work collaboratively for almost two years exploring creative solutions to land questions. It is not bad faith for a party to negotiate to offer the best land quantum deal ever offered in the Northwest Territories. It is not bad faith to honestly communicate that extent of flexibility and it is certainly not bad faith for a party to negotiations to acknowledge that the parties may be too far apart to warrant continuing negotiations.

The correspondence also accuses the Government of the Northwest Territories and Canada of breaching our duty to consult, which is baffling. No particulars of this have been provided. The GNWT takes its duties very seriously and we have been very open and transparent. I can't imagine any basis for these claims.

While raising litigation may be an ill-advised negotiation tactic, we must take it seriously even if we see no merit to it. If this is simply a tactic, this is certainly not helpful. I believe respect is built on honest and frank discussions. Making baseless accusations and threats of litigation is not how you build relationships and move forward.