Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier my Member's statement was on the rights under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, and my questions are for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: what is the update on the status of the negotiations between the Inuvialuit, Canada, and the GNWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to report that the negotiations on Inuvialuit selfgovernment between the Inuvialuit, Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories are going very well. As a matter of fact, negotiators are meeting this week in Aklavik, and the negotiations are going so well that we expect that a final agreement can be concluded within the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I appreciate that answer from the Premier. Mr. Speaker, my second question is: what additional rights would this agreement provide the Inuvialuit?
The Inuvialuit selfgovernment agreement, once finalized, it will implement the inherent right to selfgovernment in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This agreement will provide the Inuvialuit the authority to deliver a broad range of programs and services, including social envelope authority such as K to 12 education, child and family services, and income support.
I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my third question is: once the agreement is settled, how does the Minister expect the Inuvialuit's relationship with the GNWT to change?
This agreement will begin a new phase in the relationship between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Inuvialuit government, and that relationship will continue to evolve as the Inuvialuit take on more responsibility for the delivery of programs and services and pass their own laws, similar to the evolving relationship with the Deline SelfGovernment Agreement.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, my final question on the agreement is: what implications would the final selfgovernment agreement have for the Legislative Assembly and the role of the MLA from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region? Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our expectation is that the Legislative Assembly will continue its role as the public government in the Northwest Territories, including representation from communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. As the Member knows, the Prime Minister recently signed a new declaration, the Crown Inuit Declaration, I think he called it. This is a reflection of their new, improved, ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal governments. We are looking forward to seeing how that all rolls out going forward.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
