Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this summer, July 13, 2004, I was privileged to hold a meeting in Deninu Kue with the Deninu Kue First Nations, the Metis Nation, the public and six Members of our Cabinet. I wanted to thank Premier Joe Handley, Ministers Bell, Miltenberger, McLeod, Dent and Krutko, for taking the time to visit and discuss many of the issues with the community leadership and the public.

Community leadership was very appreciative of this and looks forward to following up on some of the concerns brought forward. The public is also looking forward to having Minister Miltenberger and Minister Krutko revisit and consult with the community on many important health and housing issues, and also a visit sometime by Deputy Premier Roland to address some property taxation issues and other financial concerns.

Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to point out the significance of this meeting and the fact that the Deninu Kue First Nations and the Metis Nation have actually sat and met is a very big step in improving overall community governance and cooperation in the delivery of community affairs and programs.

I want to commend Chief Sayine and the newly-elected Metis president, Lloyd Cardinal, with their open-minded and respectful consideration of their respective community councils, concerns and direction while working towards a more cohesive working relationship within the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that is also the beginning of a new and improved working relationship between the leaders of Tu Nedhe and the Government of the Northwest Territories, one which encompasses more community input and consideration on government programs, services and initiatives, more effective co-management and fiscal responsibility, and especially more respect and acknowledgement of the hardships people in smaller communities are burdened with on a daily basis.

With that, I am glad to say that I feel optimistic that this government will continue to support and encourage more open communication between government officials and the people in the remote communities. I offer my support to this government to continue to work towards achieving the higher level of remote community pride and confidence in the Government of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause