Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to, as others have, recognize the past Members Tony Whitford, Jane Groenewegen, and Sandy Lee for all their contributions to this Assembly. In addition, I'd like to recognize all the Daughters of the Vote delegates here, in particular Olivia Villebrun of Fort Smith. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome all of the participants of the Daughters of the Vote, in particular Kiera Boulanger-Rowe from Hay River South who also participated in the Hay River session, I believe, for getting women into politics.

I, too, would like to also recognize Jane Groenewegen, Sandy Lee, and Tony Whitford for all the work they've done, and I'm going to take this opportunity to wish my wife happy Valentine's Day.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a former Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Tony Whitford. I'd also like to recognize, along with the many honourable Members here, the Daughters of the Vote; those who will come after us and take these seats. Thank you for letting us keep your seats warm.

I'd also like to recognize Mrs. Groenewegen and Ms. Lee for their many years of public service and their contributions to political life in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to welcome everyone, all the girls from Daughters of the Vote and, in particular, Chukita Elias-Gruben who is my cousin from Tuktoyaktuk. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Hay River North.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lots of constituents in the crowd today. I would like to welcome Jaylene Delorme-Buggins who is here with Daughters of the Vote; Beatrice Lepine; Myrtle Graham; and, of course, Jane Groenewegen; and someone who seems to be here all the time, my father, Rocky Simpson.

Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed someone in the gallery, welcome to our proceedings. It is always great to have an audience as part of our proceedings. Happy Valentine's, everyone. Item 7, acknowledgements. Member for Nahendeh.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate four young female soccer players who are being selected to the U16 North American Indigenous Games soccer team. They are Leona Berrault, Briann Nelson, both from Fort Nelson; Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian from Fort Simpson; and Shaznay Waugh from Fort Simpson. As well, we have two who were selected as alternates, Mikala McLeod from Fort Liard and Emily Hardisty from Fort Simpson. On behalf of the communities, their parents, and coaches, we are very proud of their accomplishment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Congratulations to the athletes, as well. Item 8, oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier my Member's statement was on the rights under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, and my questions are for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: what is the update on the status of the negotiations between the Inuvialuit, Canada, and the GNWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Masi. Honourable Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to report that the negotiations on Inuvialuit self-government between the Inuvialuit, Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories are going very well. As a matter of fact, negotiators are meeting this week in Aklavik, and the negotiations are going so well that we expect that a final agreement can be concluded within the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate that answer from the Premier. Mr. Speaker, my second question is: what additional rights would this agreement provide the Inuvialuit?

The Inuvialuit self-government agreement, once finalized, it will implement the inherent right to self-government in the Inuvialuit settlement region. This agreement will provide the Inuvialuit the authority to deliver a broad range of programs and services, including social envelope authority such as K to 12 education, child and family services, and income support.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my third question is: once the agreement is settled, how does the Minister expect the Inuvialuit's relationship with the GNWT to change?

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my final question on the agreement is: what implications would the final self-government agreement have for the Legislative Assembly and the role of the MLA from the Inuvialuit settlement region? Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our expectation is that the Legislative Assembly will continue its role as the public government in the Northwest Territories, including representation from communities in the Inuvialuit settlement region. As the Member knows, the Prime Minister recently signed a new declaration, the Crown Inuit Declaration, I think he called it. This is a reflection of their new, improved, ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal governments. We are looking forward to seeing how that all rolls out going forward.

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.