In reviewing some of the reasons for why it has taken so long, and as the Member indicated, in some instances, it has been 20, 25 years of negotiations. We have met with the Aboriginal governments to try to determine the problems, the stumbling blocks that have stopped us from settling these claims a lot earlier than this. We’ve had very good discussions. I think part of it is the mandates that are in place that don't allow us any flexibility. As I have said before, we have met with the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and outlined how we saw us going forward. They are very open to it. The Prime Minister, during the federal election, wrote to us and indicated that their objective is to settle their outstanding land claims in a very facilitated manner. We have all agreed to work together. We have followed up with the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs with a letter outlining how we see us moving forward and our officials will be getting together. Right now, we feel very positive about the possibilities.
Bob McLeod on Question 88-18(2): Negotiating Self-Government Agreements
In the Legislative Assembly on March 1st, 2016. See this statement in context.
Question 88-18(2): Negotiating Self-Government Agreements
Oral Questions
February 29th, 2016
See context to find out what was said next.