Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Both the Premier and the former federal Minister have said they expect to have a final Devolution Agreement very soon. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but First Nations in my constituency are not participating at the devolution table. The Dehcho First Nations would like to see movement in their own negotiations to finalize the land use plan for the region before devolution goes ahead. As well, they strongly believe that 25 percent of what the GNWT gets shared with all regional Aboriginal governments is not a fair allocation of resource revenues.
From the First Nations’ perspective, devolution, so far, is nothing but a GNWT money and self-government grab. Most First Nations don’t have self-government agreements. In spite of reassurances, it’s hard to see how devolution won’t prejudice these negotiations. In fact, the possibility of Dehcho First Nation’s involvement in devolution is one reason the K’atlodeeche First Nation recently left the regional lands and resources table. As Chief Roy Fabian said, we’re not willing to give up our jurisdiction to anybody until we are finished negotiating.
I must ask what has the GNWT given up or compromised on to reach this deal. What more will they give up for a final agreement? I’m concerned that this deal is already forcing us to inherit environmental and resource management arrangements weakened by the recent federal omnibus bill. Can the regions and small communities even count on a share of the 170 jobs to be transferred to the GNWT after devolution? Devolution should be good for everybody, but will it be good for First Nations in my constituency?
I will have questions for the Premier later today. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
