WHEREAS the transfer of responsibility from Canada to the Government of the Northwest Territories for public lands and resources, including rights in respect of water, has been an objective of this Legislative Assembly;

AND WHEREAS negotiations among the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Northwest Territory Metis Nation, the Sahtu Secretariat Inc., the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Tlicho Government have resulted in a proposed Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement;

AND WHEREAS residents of the Northwest Territories have been informed of and engaged on the subject of the proposed Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement;

AND WHEREAS the devolution of public lands and resources, including the rights in respect of water, is an important step in the political evolution of the Northwest Territories, with significant implications for both the legislative and executive branches of the Government of the Northwest Territories;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that this Legislative Assembly express its support for the approval of the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement.