Bob McLeod - Devolution

Déclarations et discours de ministres

(June 3, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the 17th Legislative Assembly has a vision of a territory where strong individuals, families, and communities share in the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous territory.

The path to that vision has its obstacles and challenges. Now, as Northerners, we do not shy away from challenges. Our Territory is built on the strength and resilience of people who have persevered and survived despite harsh climate and the sometimes harsh reality of northern living.  However, there are times when the load can be lightened, the challenges met and the vision seen more clearly.

Mr. Speaker, this week Members of the 17th Assembly will have the unprecedented opportunity to clear the path to our shared vision of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous territory. We are ready, Mr. Speaker, to lighten the load all Northerners carry, to bring decision-making and resources where they belong, home, to the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, to that end, I will be tabling the results of the public engagement on the proposed devolution agreement and the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement. It is also our intention to introduce a motion seeking this Assembly’s support for the approval of the Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement.

Should this motion pass, we will then sign the agreement that will see new responsibilities transferred to us on April 1, 2014. New responsibilities Mr. Speaker and a clear path to our vision.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.