Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think one of the most important things that we can do for future generations is invest in the foundations of a strong and stable economy that can withstand the often tumultuous boom-and-bust cycle that our resource-driven industries so often leave us in. We want to diversify our economy. We want to reinvest in mining so we can use the benefits of that to fuel that diversification, to build a knowledge economy, to fund critical infrastructure. The one thing holding all of these objectives back, Mr. Speaker, are land claims or, as they should be known, land rights agreements.

The outdated language of colonial-based policies needs to stop. We need to start framing these as nation-to-nation dialogues about enshrining new rights, rights that need to be recognized so we can move forward in a healthy and prosperous future.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, Mr. Speaker. Our Premier is very passionate about this issue. In fact, during the Territorial Leadership Committee he made a speech where he enshrined this as one of his top priorities.

Mr. Speaker, if I may quote from this:

"Aboriginal people make up half the population of the Northwest Territories. They should have the same opportunities to participate meaningfully in the political, social, and economic life of our territory and share in its benefits."

I couldn't agree more.

I was very pleased to see the Premier committed to forming a working group with Regular Members of this House, a joint committee between Regular Members and Cabinet to provide oversight and give direction to our negotiation on files dealing with Aboriginal Land and Resource Agreements.

Mr. Speaker, this working group has met once since the Premier was appointed to that position. One time. How are we giving direction on negotiations and helping expedite this process ensuring that all Members of this House are consulted when this group is barely meeting, Mr. Speaker?

Furthermore, the Premier also committed to having a meeting with leaders of the Dehcho within 45 days and a new offer on the table in 90 days. It's been a long time since then, Mr. Speaker, and I believe that process is still unsettled. I will have questions for the Premier on if we are going to settle these outstanding claims by the end of this Assembly as he has promised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.