Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to weigh in on the devolution issue that’s been raised by a number of my colleagues here today.
Firstly I’ll say it’s a real shame that it is now posted on the CBC website. I think that’s caused real ripples out there in the community. That being said, some of the aboriginal groups aren’t necessarily pleased. I know I had people looking at it and they’re concerned. People are wondering if it’s the real true document. It’s kind of like negotiating in public here. It’s really the future of the Northwest Territories and I think it’s a real shame that this type of disruption has been put out there.
The question for the Premier really is, now that CBC has done what they have done, whether they legally had the right -- they may have, but they may not have had the moral responsibility to do it -- would the Premier consider the opportunity of maybe putting out a plain language document to help people understand what exactly is happening in this AIP agreement? The fact is, that is technical information and I think it’s caused more confusion and frustration out there, and this may help clear some of this issue up so we can go forward.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would say it is a shame that it has come about in this manner. To think what may have happened if the first land claim was being negotiated and this type of document was put out before the groups had a chance to really look at it and make their decisions on that, we may never have had an agreement. I think that is, in fact, a concern.
More importantly, now that it is out there, we do need to look at how we inform the people of the North of what’s there and clear the air. That’s the confusion that’s been caused. We are looking at our options of trying to get that out and looking at what we can do.
Again, sort of just to narrow it down a little further to help clarify the confusion out there, I’d like to highlight again my concern, because it does seem insulting to many of the parties that are involved here in a very offensive type of way that it is now out there and the public are running around. It’s an open negotiation and it really shouldn’t be.
The reality here is, it’s there and we have to sort of deal with it. The question really comes down to is a plain language document one of the options that the Premier could conceivably be working on when he says there’s things they could look at.
Again, I’ll say it quite clearly that we’re now negotiating in public so we might as well, quite frankly, tell people what we’re negotiating. That way we can clear up any misnomers that aboriginal groups may lose rights or they won’t lose rights. That type of thing is protected, the type of money, the type of jobs. Like I say, if it’s already out there, let’s make sure it’s in plain language so everyone sees exactly what’s there.
We will consider what can be done and if that is one of the better ways of clearing the air or if we just continue to respect the process and honour that.
The only ones that seem to have respect for the process are the Members around this room. I’ve listened to my colleagues very cautiously and asked questions about this, and it’s a shame the agreement is out there. Does the Premier think he could maybe address the situation by the upcoming deadline when they’re looking for feedback from the aboriginal organizations that perhaps at that stage with their agreement? I stress that it is a partnership, as he’s well aware. Perhaps with the parties all in agreement they could work together with the plain language. Although technically it’s a bilateral agreement with the GNWT and Canada, we have to respect our aboriginal partners. Would he consider that option once we’ve got our feedback and some support from the aboriginal groups to go towards the plain language?
The issue is of trying to get that information and as we have, right through this process, had full working relationships, technical as well as through the negotiation sessions. Of course, as we’ve pointed out, we’ve had some groups or one group particularly stay away from the negotiations since it’s been picked up again. The work throughout has continued to have that door open and invite all to continue to be part of the process. As we hear back from them, we will consider how we progress forward together.
Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
