Michael Nadli

It’s very encouraging and I applaud the Premier for his leadership in ensuring that the outstanding regions that haven’t signed on to devolution are at a possible precipice to sign on to the Devolution Agreement.

My question is: In advancing these talks, the Premier is leading those discussions and working with the First Nations governments. How is the Premier ensuring that trust is maintained at the same time progress is made? Thank you.

On the other hand, progress is being made in bilateral discussions between the GNWT and the Dehcho First Nations on issues related to devolution, and I’m told the finish line is practically in sight. As the MLA for Deh Cho, I want to reiterate my support for the successful conclusion of the Dehcho Process.

The negotiations are complex and difficult. Negotiators must deal with challenging subjects and times when the positions of the parties seem very far apart. I want to stress to the parties the importance of taking an interest-based versus a positional approach to negotiations.

When the...

It’s been indicated, of course, the deadline for devolution is April 1st. So I want to ask the Premier, is it possible that within that time frame that outstanding regions, including the Deh Cho, would come to the table and sign off? Yes or no. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently it was reported, much to the delight of Cabinet, that the community of Akaitcho, the Deninu Ku’e, is going to be signing on to the Devolution Agreement. My question is in regard to the progress of those bilateral discussions that this Cabinet has undertaken, more specifically for the Deh Cho. I wanted to ask the Premier if he could update this House in terms of the progress of those talks. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] Mahsi. I’m glad to talk to you. I’m also glad to speak on behalf of the Dehcho Process, and they have been working with the federal and territorial governments. Eventually there will be some political resolve to the Dehcho Process. [Translation ends]

It formally began in 1999 and the people of the Dehcho First Nations. It is really the continuation of a long process that started when Europeans first made contact with indigenous Aboriginal people. Once it is concluded, the final agreement will clearly set out the Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Dehcho...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we extend sitting hours to conclude the item under consideration. Mahsi.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, would like to thank the Electoral Boundaries Commission for the report. In that report, obviously, I think everyone is aware, there are three scenarios of moving forward, either 18, 19 or 21.

Unfortunately, this process lacks a real needed effort to put forward constructive opportunity for people of the North to be involved with the building of the nation of the NWT as they advance forward. What I mean is there is a complete lack of constitutional development for interest to even meddle, perhaps, with how it is that we as Northerners live together here in the NWT...

Thank you, Madam Chair. This discussion at this point is fairly significant and the number… Well, these two numbers that we’re discussing has a positive ring to it, 1921, it’s rather ironic. I wanted to say at least, and impart a message to the people that I represent in my language, I know we’ve heard the Chipewyan language and the Dogrib language, but equally so I wanted to share a perspective with the constituents back home that have asked me to be here to be their representative. So I’d like to take that opportunity.

[English translation not provided.]

Madam Chair, I think here in the NWT...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, will not be supporting this motion. We’ve had an opportunity to at least discuss the terms of reference in terms of trying to guide this commission when it was set up. I think they’ve done their work. They’ve done their due diligence in consulting with the public and brought back a report and now we need to move on it.

I also reject this motion on the grounds that if we’re going to do things the right way, we have to stop denying that there is a need for constitutional reform in terms of ensuring that the public has a say in terms of how it is that the...

Thank you. The Minister indicated that he’s taking measures in terms of ensuring that workers received competency-based training and at the same time ensuring that the people are treated with a little respect in terms of receiving department services.

What is the priority at this point? Is it ensuring that the employees receive competency-based training or client satisfaction? Mahsi.