Legislative reports: Northwest Territories.

The Fourth Session of the Fourteenth Legislative Assembly convened on June 5 and sat until June 14. The Assembly briefly reconvened for two days on July 23 and 24.

Commissioner Glenna Hansen opened the June Session with the traditional Opening Address, followed by a sessional statement by Premier Stephen Kakfwi, which provided a fiscal and economic update to the Assembly.

He highlighted several things including the second Intergovernmental Forum that took place in Inuvik in late May. Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Joe Handley, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and Mr. Kakfwi participated in this important meeting attended by aboriginal leaders from across the Northwest Territories and by the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Robert Nault. The Intergovernmental Forum was established as a means for allowing aboriginal governments, the federal government and the territorial government to come together to share information and to make joint decisions. It is the first and only forum of its kind in Canada -- one that respects the place of aboriginal governments as equals at the table.

Mr. Kakfwi also highlighted the progress that has been made on Aboriginal Rights negotiations. On May 23, Mr. Antoine and Mr. Kakfwi joined Mr. Nault, Deh Cho Chiefs and the people of the Deh Cho in Fort Simpson to celebrate the signing of the Deh Cho Framework Agreement and the Deh Cho Interim Measures Agreement. Although they still have quite a bit of work ahead of them, this is a positive step for Deh Cho people toward self-government and to implementing the Interim Measures Agreement and beginning negotiations on an agreement-in-principle.

Mr. Kakfwi also updated the Assembly on progress in other important areas. He indicated that energy and the environment were key agenda items at the Western Premiers' Conference held in Moose Jaw on May 30th to 31st. Climate change, sustainable development and production of environmentally friendly energy sources were discussed.

The North has experienced the economic impact of increased demand for energy in Canada. While this has resulted in a welcome boom in employment, business opportunities and revenues for the people of the Mackenzie Delta, Sahtu and Deh Cho, where energy reserves are located, it has also resulted in increased energy costs for everyone. While the governments of Canada and United States are aware of the significant oil and gas reserves within...