Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to make one comment in response to the honourable Member for Natilikmiot, where he stated that we should give the new Minister a chance to look at his department, but during question period I asked the Minister whether or not he was going to review his department. He stated a categorically "no" as his response.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a few comments on some of the comments that have been made. I think the focus of my motion and proposal is that a review take place looking at all health and social services issues. In terms of health, we have had a health transfer and need to know the effect especially on aboriginal and treaty people. We have to know if the level of service is adequate. Are the health and hospital boards functioning properly? Are the regional hospital boards functioning properly. We have to look at the long-term care programs. We have to look at mental illness. I would like to quote the statement made by Ethel Blondin in the House of Commons. I quote, "Mental illness affects more Canadians than any other disease. The northern Territories lead the nation in illness and poor health. The North experiences higher death and disease rates, and higher birth and infant mortality rates than the rest of the country. Cancer is four times greater. It has the highest rate of suicide in the country."

Fifty Per Cent Of Government Budget Is Because Of The Plight Of Aboriginal People

Mr. Chairman, I have also estimated -- and this is very rough -- that 40 to 50 per cent of this government's budget and quite a substantial number of employees and buildings are in place because of the poverty and the plight of aboriginal people. All government departments are included. We have to look at some of the programs: our correctional centres, our legal aid program, our parole system, all the alcohol and drug programs in all our centres, the hospitals, public health centres, et cetera. You have to look at the level of transmittable diseases. Look at our homeless people. Look at all the social counselling groups, all the help groups, all the associations created to help these poor people. If the government had implemented a lot of the recommendations in the past studies and reports, I do not think we would be in this mess.

Another thing is I do not foresee a travelling road show. In my statement earlier, I mentioned that the MLAs which I have consulted have expressed an interest and willingness to participate and contribute to do their part in their constituencies in their regions.

I think we want to focus on solutions. I mentioned that the majority of us know what the problems are. The people know what the problems are. We have to focus on solutions. The reason I would like to get this motion passed today is that I think in the next three months we can do a lot of the ground work in setting up a strategy and how to proceed. I do not believe we start formal work until the new year when the budget is in place. I am sure if all the MLAs are committed, including Executive Committee Members, I think they will realize the situation and support this motion.

Motion To Adopt Motion 40-12(1)

Mr. Chairman, I would like to move that Motion 40-12(1), titled Establishment of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, be adopted.