Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the fundamental principles of a free, transparent government is the ability for our residents to vote freely with regard to expressing their views on particular issues, voting people into public office and voting for things such as the division of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, there was a plebiscite held in 1992 to divide the Northwest Territories. At that time it was done through a plebiscite with the simple wording, “do you think the Northwest Territories should be divided.” Mr. Speaker, since that time, division has come and gone. Yet, Mr. Speaker, there is still a lot of political manoeuvring regarding taking on federal powers and responsibilities to the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I think we also have to allow the public and the people of the Northwest Territories to also have a say with regard to what’s happening in the Northwest Territories with the transfer of powers from Ottawa to the Northwest Territories through similar means, regardless of whether it’s a plebiscite, freedom to vote, a general election. The public has the right to be heard.
Mr. Speaker, we hear a lot of what’s going on with devolution in this House and elsewhere. A lot of full-page ads are being put out there with regard to people’s views on particular issues. Mr. Speaker, how do we get feedback from the general public once their views have been expressed? Mr. Speaker, one of those ways is through a plebiscite.
Mr. Speaker, the Plebiscite Act allows a plebiscite to take place during a general election. I feel it’s critical that this government and this Legislative Assembly allow the public that opportunity to have their voice in a very important issue such as devolution from Ottawa to the Northwest Territories by way of a plebiscite.
I, for one, agree that regardless what the outcome of the devolution process is, we all have to live with the decision. Is it the right decision or it is the wrong decision? The only way we can measure it, Mr. Speaker, is by means of a vote for all residents of the Northwest Territories to express their views and position on this important matter.
I feel that we do have to look at some options and alternatives such as a public plebiscite on the devolution agreement, which was signed by the Government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government, on how it will affect the residents of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
