Debates of May 10, 2007 (day 4)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I stand here today to applaud the signing of the agreement-in-principle on devolution and resource revenue sharing that was announced by the Premier yesterday.

---Applause

The years of effort, the strain and expense that was involved in this are certainly evident, Mr. Speaker, that these deals are not easily achieved. In the past decades of the political, social and economic evolution and struggle in the Northwest Territories, regrettably there are many more examples of failure than the success in negotiating joint action and commitment. So it is a mark of real leadership, vision and courage that the Gwich'in, Metis, Sahtu and Inuvialuit nations have joined with the GNWT in this quest. They all deserve our acknowledgement and our thanks.

Mr. Speaker, this AIP is, of course, awaiting other First Nations to come on board. I do not look at this as rejection. Rather, Mr. Speaker, it should be looked at as continuing opportunity that I hope they will be able to realize even as they continue to negotiate their own land claims self-governments agreements with Canada and the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, I hope that the signing of this agreement-in-principle will be at more incentive for those other northerners to join in and, of course, incentive for Ottawa to do their part in helping us realize our vision of a prosperous North, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

---Applause