Debates of March 2, 2006 (day 40)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories represents everyone in the North and makes decisions that affect everyone on a daily basis. It is good for me to see, as a representative of the Monfwi riding, that the GNWT Cabinet meeting in Rae-Edzo on January 26th was a true success from our perspective.

While there, Cabinet met with the Tlicho Government, the executive council members, Grand Chief George Mackenzie, chiefs Leon Lafferty, Charlie Jim Nitsiza, Henry Gon and Charlie Football, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Tlicho agreement became law on August 4th of last year, 2005. Many of you have followed and observed the struggles of the Tlicho to get to that point. There are many things in that agreement that will take time for the government to come to grips with as we are the signatories.

Mr. Speaker, the meeting was a government-to-government meeting. It was very fruitful. They have made commitments to work closely together to see how the Tlicho Government can be implemented by both parties that both parties were committed to. Mr. Speaker, this goes to show that GNWT is very serious in recognizing the self-government and is willing to make the agreement work in all of its intents and purposes. All the Cabinet Ministers were presented with cardholders decorated with the Tlicho logo, Mr. Speaker. This is our sign of give exchange. It has been part of our Tlicho tradition. I am proud to say that the meeting has benefited the cottage industry in my community.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I want to thank the Cabinet for meeting in my home community which sends a strong message that the people in the small communities is what GNWT is all about. There is a continued positive working relationship between the GNWT and the Tlicho Government. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause