Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 18/98) - Education, health care, stable government budgets, increasing Northern self-sufficiency -- these are some of the key priorities Western MLAs have outlined for the next five years.

Western caucus members released a report Monday outlining their priorities and vision for the new post-division NWT.

Minister Responsible for Western Transition, Charles Dent, said the report -- called 1999 and Beyond -- will provide the philosophical basis as western MLAs develop their first budget and move on with the creation of the new territory.

"You need to have a philosophical underpinning about where you're going with (the budget)," he said at a press conference at the legislative assembly.

In the area of aboriginal affairs, the report identifies the completion of negotiations on aboriginal land and resources rights, the clarification of the implementation of the inherent right of self-government and significant progress in self-government negotiations, as key goals.

As for the new territory's finances, the basis was put in place with the announcement of a new federal-territorial funding agreement between the GNWT and Ottawa. The deal was inked by territorial Finance Minister John Todd and his federal counterpart, Paul Martin, last month.

With this accomplished, western MLAs say the government programs and services currently being offered in the North, will be available past April 1, 1999.

Getting a royalty revenue-sharing with Ottawa that has a positive net impact on federal transfer payments, increasing revenues without the imposition of a sales tax, moving ahead with a new NWT economic strategy and other actions are among the areas identified as ways of increasing territorial self-sufficiency.

The report also notes the location of western residents has changed over the years with significant movement to larger centres, noting the GNWT's social programs and services will have to recognize this shift.

The promotion of education, training and economic development and the overall importance of education to the territory's future success are also highlighted in the document.

As to the report's key priorities, Dent said its emphasis will benefit all Northerners.

"Members believe if we can concentrate on these...areas, we will be able to develop a stronger territory and people," he said in a written statement.

Miltenberger said he was proud of the work the report represents.

"With all its possible warts, we think we're off to a good start," he said.

The Thebacha MLA also said the public's feedback is "critical" to the eventual success of the report and its vision.

Copies can be obtained from MLAs or off the GNWT's Web site.