Debates of March 31, 2004 (day 12)

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the term of the 15th Legislative Assembly, the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly agreed that a new approach is needed to develop our agenda and statement of priorities. Members rejected the old method of developing an agenda based solely on our views, and in isolation of other governments in the Northwest Territories. Members felt that it was critical that we embark on a new way of doing business that emphasized partnership and collaboration.

We have started off with informal meetings to explore ideas about the setting of priorities. Discussion focused on how the Members of this Assembly might reach out to the public more effectively and build partnerships with other northern governments and stakeholder groups. As a Legislative Assembly, we are determined to find ways to open up the lines of communication with all northern residents.

As a beginning, Members felt it was important to bring leaders together to exchange views and create a foundation for understanding and working together. In January, I joined the Chair of the Caucus, Mr. Kevin Menicoche, in announcing that leaders from across the North would be invited to a northern leaders meeting in Hay River in April.

Since that time, the planning for this meeting has gone very well. A planning committee chaired by Mr. Menicoche, and including representatives from aboriginal governments, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities and the government was established to oversee the process.

I am pleased to say that representatives from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Dene Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Tlicho Treaty 11 Tribal Council, Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Northwest Territories Metis Nation, North Slave Metis Alliance, Deh Cho First Nations, Dene Nation and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities have all confirmed their participation at this meeting.

Mr. Speaker, the meeting will be held at the Chief Lamalice Complex on the Hay River Reserve from April 6 to 8. The meeting will be ably chaired by two distinguished northerners: Mr. Jim Antoine, a long-time

Member of this House and a former Premier of the Northwest Territories; and Joanne Barnaby, a former executive director of the Dene Cultural Institute and a resident of Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, this meeting is another important step in establishing productive partnerships with other northern leaders. We are very excited about the potential this meeting holds for leaders throughout the Northwest Territories to have a full and open discussion about the challenges and opportunities that face all governments in our territory. We hope these discussions will lead to an ongoing partnership between the various governments in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.