Good afternoon. Item 2 on the order paper is Ministers' Statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, this week it is Addictions Awareness Week in the Northwest Territories and throughout the rest of Canada. I rise today both to recognize the efforts of the many volunteers who will make this week a success and to make an important announcement for community alcohol and drug workers.

Alcohol and drug programs in the Northwest Territories are operated by local community groups made up of volunteers who commit their time and effort towards reducing the alcohol and drug abuse that is so devastating to the north. Alcohol and drug programs operate in 40 of our communities, under the direction of local boards and agencies. The dedication efforts of the members of these local groups and the commitments made by many, many other community volunteers represent the backbone of alcohol and drug programs.

These volunteers are responsible for helping hundreds of people in their battle against addiction, helping them to recover a happier and healthier lifestyle.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all Members will join me to acknowledge their efforts with the most successful Addictions Awareness Week, and pledge the ongoing commitment of this government to assist them in every way possible in the battle against alcohol and drug abuse. Many Members of this Assembly have expressed their concern about the wages earned by the community alcohol and drug workers who are employed by the local alcohol programs. These very dedicated individuals stand at the front line in our battle against alcohol and drug abuse. They work against many odds, often alone.

Members of this Assembly have praised their efforts, offered their encouragement and support and voiced their recognition of the contributions which alcohol and drug workers make to their communities and to the individuals and families whom they help. The time is overdue for a more tangible form of reward and recognition for our community alcohol and drug workers.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce an increase to community alcohol and drug workers' salaries. Thank you.

---Applause

Specific details will be contained in the supplementary appropriation coming before this Assembly later in this sitting.

I trust that the Members of this Assembly will support the appropriation, and that during this fiscal year we will be able to show our support to community alcohol and drug workers.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Mr. Arvaluk.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge that Arctic College students and staff throughout the Northwest Territories are celebrating Arctic College Week from November 16 to November 21.

Arctic College Week is held to emphasize the value of post-secondary education and to inform people in the Northwest Territories of the opportunities available to them through the college. It is also intended to draw attention to the achievements of Arctic College and the benefit of college programs to northern communities.

This year the theme of the Arctic College Week is "partnership" and it is a theme especially relevant to the experience of Arctic College here in the north, Mr. Speaker. The college works with many different northern organizations to provide educational training and services to adults. Many of the programs offered through Arctic College are only possible with the cooperative sponsorship of third party clients.

To acknowledge the partnerships between communities of the north and Arctic College each campus and community learning centre has planned a variety of public awareness activities. At this time I would like to thank all of the organizations and communities in the Northwest Territories which support Arctic College programs and activities.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' Statements. Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. As a member of an aboriginal group that ratified its final agreement last year I know how the Inuit feel now that they have agreed to the terms of their comprehensive land claim agreement. The Inuit are now on a road that will eventually create a homeland for their people. This homeland will be within Canada but self-governing so the Inuit can protect and promote their cultural identity.

In the west this is not often recognized as a fundamental aspiration of aboriginal people. All too often we receive the answer that all people must be treated equally. The Gwich'in and the Inuit have agreements which, once implemented, will give them enough authority to force governments to respect the distinctiveness of aboriginal peoples and aboriginal societies. This follows the basic principle of being treated equally but with respect for differences and the right to protect those differences.

I am sincerely happy for the Inuit. I know that the negotiations were difficult and that you had to fight for every inch of territory and for every authority gained. No-one should make the mistake of viewing this agreement as giving too much to the Inuit. The Inuit gave to Canada a very large area of territory in exchange for only a portion of these lands.

---Applause

Aboriginal people are constantly forced during these negotiations to give in to Canada. Canada in return does not seem to recognize the distinctiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this land.

---Applause

With pending division of the Northwest Territories, western regions and communities must begin to develop their own government. The status quo will not work in the west. There is far too much diversity of opinions and cultures. We must begin this work with our communities because the communities are the basis of our governments. Secondly we must look toward regional or tribal governments to deliver government programs and services and also to bring our people together geographically and culturally.

Finally, there will be a need for a central territorial government but this should be defined after the communities and regions have determined their authorities. Once again, congratulations to T.F.N. and Nunavut. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express my appreciation to the Special Committee on Health and Social Services for visiting Rankin Inlet last week. The special committee organized a series of hearings and workshops in order to allow members of the public to express their views on the organization and the delivery of health and social services.

Mr. Speaker, I was quite frankly surprised by the degree of interest expressed in the work of the special committee among the residents of my community. Large turn-outs characterized all of the workshops and there was a broad representation from all segments of the Rankin Inlet population.

Many elders participated, care givers attended and even the students at school were part of the action. Mr. Speaker, I believe that this high level of participation indicates that people in Rankin Inlet are seriously concerned about the status of health and social conditions in the region. It was clear from many of the comments that the people are quite frankly hurting. It was also clear that there are many sources of dissatisfaction with the government's approach to responding to the pain.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the Report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. I hope it is direct, blunt and to the point. Clearly the many issues surrounding health care delivery and the availability of social services need much more political attention. We must give them the time and the priority they deserve. The people are struggling to find solutions to ever-increasing social problems. I have every confidence that the special committee's report, when complete, should bring forward a credible plan, a blueprint for doing things differently and easing the pain experienced in so many of our communities.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want once again to thank the special committee and in particular the Co-Chairs, Mr. Dent and Mr. Nerysoo, for taking the time to travel into the region to listen to the people. The bureaucrats in the departments could learn a great deal from doing exactly the same. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Bernhardt.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable colleagues, I rise today to provide a brief comment on a matter which has been widely reported in the northern media. As most Members are aware, Mr. Speaker, I have been charged with a number of offenses under the criminal code. I have entered a plea of not guilty on all charges. Trials have been scheduled to proceed in December and January. Mr. Speaker, it should be clear that I am an accused person and not a convicted person.

However, recognizing that these matters are currently before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at the present time. In the meantime there is important work to be done within the Legislative Assembly, and I will be concentrating fully on the items which come before the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' Statement. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the 12th Legislative Assembly this government has spoken many times about the need to decentralize government departments and devolve responsibilities to communities throughout the north. Mr. Speaker, I have strongly supported and fought for the implementation of this policy, not just during the 12th Assembly but since I was first elected to this House.

I feel that we have taken some steps during the past year to realize these policy initiatives, however, there are cases where some government departments seem reluctant to change the status quo. One such case is the South Slave interpreter/translator position currently located in Hay River.

On January 29 of this year, the Band Council on the Hay River Reserve passed a motion calling for the government to establish a South Slave Interpreter Office on the Hay River Reserve. I have been working on this case since that time and I have been in contact with the appropriate Ministers with little success. Frankly, after six months, I feel as though I have been getting the bureaucratic run around.

I wrote to the former Minister of Culture and Communications in early March to ask that this position be relocated to the Hay River Reserve where it could better service the Dene people of that region. The Minister responded that he would not consider my request until after the amalgamation of the Departments of Education and Culture.

Earlier this month, I wrote to the Minister of the new Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs about this matter. The Minister responded that he would not consider this request until a full review of the programs and services of the new department had been undertaken.

Mr. Speaker, this is not acceptable. If matters regarding decentralization are left until the full departmental review has been undertaken, they may never be resolved, certainly not in the near future.

It is my belief that, of all government programs that should be considered immediately for decentralization, the Aboriginal Language Interpreter/Translator Program is one of the most important.

Mr. Gargan, your allotted time has elapsed.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to get unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are they any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the people of Hay River Reserve have already indicated their desire and eagerness for the governments to relocate this position to the Reserve. Mr. Speaker, I can only hope that the new Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Programs is as committed to the principle of decentralization and devolution as this government often claims to be, and that he immediately takes action to relocate this position to the Hay River Reserve. Mahsi Cho, Mr. Speaker.

Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was going to make my statement yesterday but, in view of the statements about the accomplishments of Nunavut, T.F.N. and statements about Louis Riel, I felt the issue I wanted to raise could perhaps wait until today.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday in the gallery, there was a man from Toronto. His name is Matt Gleason and he is a man to whom people involved in voluntary, charitable business turn to when they have money problems. Because of the turndown in the economy and because of the cutbacks in government funding many of us have tried to find innovative, imaginative ways of raising funds to help these organizations to survive very difficult times.

What we learned is that there are many ways in which charitable and other organizations can raise money in addition to just putting on bingos and selling raffle tickets. There are all kinds of wonderful ways in which you can, in fact, give money and have more left in the end because of the magic of our taxation system. I recommend all those people in communities who are faced with the same problems that many of us have in the city, should organize themselves and get into the community. You can learn an awful lot about the way in which life insurance policies can, in fact, be bought and used to your advantage not only to your estate but also to your financial position personally. I found it rather a magical evening to listen to this person who is in the business of helping people raise money for the voluntary sector.

What I would like to suggest is that the government, which spends an awful lot of money, could use that kind of imagination in trying to solve our problems.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, because I am going to stay within my time, I would like to remind Members that in the charitable organization business, the Council for Disabled Persons will hold a celebrity auction on Saturday, 7:00 o'clock, downstairs and, if you are lucky, you will be able to get Mr. Allooloo to teach you Inuktitut for a couple of lessons. Thank you.

Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Antoine.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. November 15 to the 21, is Addiction Awareness Week. All across the Northwest Territories community groups have organized special activities, workshops and traditional events. Nahendeh residents are participating actively in this year's Addiction Awareness Week. Dry dances have been organized for teens in Fort Simpson and Nahanni Butte. Special public health videos are being shown at the Health Centre in Fort Simpson. There are special programs for students in the schools and workshops and elders discussions have been scheduled in most communities. Even the R.C.M.P. public relations mascot, Sober Bear, is getting into the act by visiting seniors' homes and schools.

Addiction Awareness Week is a time when we can all reflect on the accomplishments that have been achieved at the community level. There is a great awareness of the problem at the grass roots level and new treatment facilities, such as the one being built on the Hay River Reserve, are increasing rehabilitation options. However, this week is also the time for thinking about community needs that have not been met.

In the Minister's statement today regarding salaries for drug and alcohol workers, they are so low that it is a national embarrassment. I am thankful for the Minister's statement today, when he stated that the salary level of the drug and alcohol workers' will increase. This is long overdue. We need to find ways of ensuring that elders become more involved in the healing process. Our elders want to help, Mr. Speaker, they have been our counsellors and healers for generations yet they are often ignored when program development decisions are made at headquarters.

Your allotted time has lapsed.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Antoine.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finally I would like to note that during Addictions Awareness Week we should be thinking about the people who are making our communities more aware of alternatives to substance abuse. In every community you find people who are outstanding role models and contribute time and effort to help others resolve alcohol and drug problems.

I am talking about people like elders, Sarah Hardisty of Jean Marie River, Lena Marcellais of Nahanni Butte, Chief and Susan Kotchea of Fort Liard, Ralph Sangris of Trout Lake, Gabe and Elsie Hardisty of Wrigley, Candy and Ken Brown of Fort Simpson, and Marie and Gabe Cazon of Fort Simpson. The contribution of these people and many others should be remembered not only during Alcohol Awareness Week but all year long. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' Statements. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to inform this House of celebrations occurring during this National Addiction Awareness Week in Iqaluit to mark the official opening of Upassuraakut Iqaluit's new alcohol and drug

counselling service. On Monday about 250 people attended the official opening to feast and to hear the music of "Night Sun". Presentations were made to many businesses and individuals who contributed to the establishment of Upassuraakut. The counselling staff was introduced. A message was read from the Honourable Tony Whitford who initiated funding from the new group when he was Minister of Social Services, for which we are grateful, and from myself, as M.L.A., assuring Upassuraakut of my ongoing support for their important work.

Messages of congratulations were also received from St. Joseph's Hospital in Elliot Lake, Northern Addictions Services in Yellowknife, from Amethyst House Women's Addictions Centre in Ottawa and from Bellwood in Toronto, organizations with which Upassuraakut has close working relations. It was also announced that Dr. Gordon and Linda Bell of Bellwood will visit Iqaluit in early December to assist Upassuraakut in setting up an after care program.

Later the qammaq, traditional sod house, which was built at the centre by Geosa Uniuqsaraq was dedicated with the lighting of qulliq, carved by Nouveyea Ipeelie, and donated by the Iqaluit Co-op. Alicy Joamie lit the qulliq and spoke of the role of elders and the importance of the land and traditional values in recovery. Last night there was an evening of dancing, feasting and celebrations at the parish hall.

Workshops and other awareness events are also planned for all schools and the Arctic College. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joe Kunuk, Chair of Uppassuraakut, his dedicated board and staff, and many supporters and volunteers in the community for their achievement in getting this vital new service off the ground. I wish them every success. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' Statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 3, Members' Statements. Item 4, Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be directed to the Minister of Social Services. Mr. Speaker, prior to attending this session I had the pleasure of travelling to Gjoa Haven and Spence Bay. In Spence Bay I had a meeting with the local appeal committee. One of the dominant issues at this particular meeting was the welfare assistance to needy clients. People of Gjoa Haven and Pelly Bay are concerned about the inconsistency of giving out payments to recipients throughout the N.W.T. The issue being that people of Pelly Bay and Spence Bay are paid $50 in cash and the rest in vouchers. I would like to ask the Minister if this is the policy of the government throughout the territories? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

I will have to take the question as notice, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Question has been taken as notice. Item 5, Oral Questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health. Under the Medical Profession Act, last fall the Minister of Health appointed Dr. Covert to be the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry. I would like to ask if Dr. Covert is still the Chairman? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Covert was not appointed recently, he was appointed years ago for a period of time as the Chair of the Board of Inquiry set up under the Medical Profession Act. He still occupies that office. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Speaker, it has been my understanding that the Chairman has been accused of malpractice. I would like to ask the Minister if he still intends to allow Dr. Covert to be the Board of Inquiry Chairman and take on the responsibility? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of a law suit that stems from an incident that occurred many years ago that was recently activated concerning that particular physician in the Northwest Territories. I am sure the honourable Member would agree that the commencing of

litigation, criminal or civil, should not be a reason to make a judgement about the liability of the person subject of that law suit. I certainly have not made such a judgement nor would I hope that the honourable Member would make such a judgement in advance of the conclusion of the litigation. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Speaker, on the same topic but it is somewhat different, I have a question for the Minister of Health supplementary. I asked an oral question on September 11, in which the Minister finally responded by correspondence dated November 17, 1992. However, in his correspondence he attached copies of the letters to Dr. Covert as the President of the Board of Inquiry. Under this particular area he indicated "under the Medical Profession Act I have appointed you President of the Board of Inquiry regarding the Report of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan's review of medical services at the Fort Smith Health Centre. Your appointment is effective from today, September 2, 1992." Why now is the Minister stating this appointment has been in effect for five years? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, as I understand the legislation, the panel is appointed which is available to be activated should there be a complaint under the act. What I am telling the honourable Member is Dr. Covert had been appointed in the capacity to head that panel for some years. What my letter did was refer a specific matter to him and activated the panel for the purpose of holding an inquiry. His appointment predated that specific action as did other members of the panel as well. It is a matter of activating a panel that was in place. That is what the appointment did, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Final supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister confirm for me and my constituents that Dr. Covert will maintain his position as the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry under the Medical Profession Act even though he continues to have a malpractice suit against him? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize in the gallery, a formal colleague, Mr. Billy Lyall.

---Applause

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I was not going to ask any questions but I do now have a concern with regard to the basis of how the Minister makes judgements about medical practitioners and the way in which they practice. The honourable Member has in fact removed the practising responsibilities or privileges of one doctor when in fact he has not even been found guilty yet as a result of an inquiry. I do want to ask the Minister what is the basis or the criteria the Minister uses on allowing physicians to retain their privileges or their responsibilities?

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I am not precisely sure which physician the honourable Member is referring to, but I suppose I can guess. That physician's privileges to practice at the Fort Smith Health Centre were removed by the administrator of the Fort Smith Health Centre, not by myself. That is all that has happened so far, Mr. Speaker. Steps were taken to initiate a board of inquiry under the Medical Profession Act according to criteria set out under the act. Thank you.

Supplementary. Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, could the honourable Member indicate to me how he can see the justice in having a man with a potential and existing suit of malpractice hanging over his head?

Mr. Nerysoo, you are asking an opinion of the Minister. If I could get back to you? Mr. Nerysoo.

I will not challenge your opinion, Mr. Speaker. However, I wish to ask the Minister to indicate to us and table in this House the criteria by which Members of the medical profession can make judgements on their peers while suits are being presented against them?

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, the Medical Profession Act is the relevant legislation. It calls for members of the medical profession who are in good standing to participate in a review of the practice of their peers where the issues which arise concern the quality of medical practice. The members of the board of inquiry are members of the medical profession who are in good standing. Being the subject of civil litigation, which may or may not lead to a conclusion of liability, certainly does not impair a practitioner's standing in the profession. Mr. Speaker, if the Member wants me to table a relevant document it would be the Medical Profession Act. There is no bar to anyone sitting on the board of inquiry by way of being the subject of litigation. Thank you.

Supplementary. Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, this is a terribly irresponsible action on the part of the Minister. I cannot see how he can justify taking away the privileges of a man in good standing in one hospital and suggest to me and Members of this House that another doctor who, in fact, had criminal charges laid against him is in good standing with the people of the Northwest Territories. Could the Minister tell me how he can justify those comments on these positions?

Could I please ask Members not to be argumentative in their preamble to an oral question? Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say again that the Minister of Health took no action to take away any Member's privileges. The medical privileges of the Fort Smith doctor to whom the Member is referring were removed at the Fort Smith Health Centre by a decision of the Administrator of the Fort Smith Health Centre, not the Minister of Health. So the Member is wrong when he suggests that I have taken away the privileges of a member of the medical profession. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if the Member will allow me to answer the question, Dr. Viswalingam is at the moment licensed to practise medicine in the Northwest Territories. His licence has not been removed and no decision has been taken regarding his licence to practise medicine. It will not be taken until the process laid out in the Medical Profession Act is concluded and I hope it will be a fair, objective process to examine issues relating to his practice. Then and only then will a decision be made about his ability to practise medicine in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Last supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am totally amazed. I pity the people of the Northwest Territories over the medical health services they are going to receive under the Minister. Mr. Speaker, I do want to ask the honourable Member what the justification is for Dr. Covert to represent all medical professions and, in fact, to undertake the review of a peer in the presence of a malpractice suit? I can understand if the honourable Member changed the chairmanship but he is not even attempting to do that.

Premier Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, in view of the discussion that is taking place I think the Members have raised a very valid point and the Cabinet will be taking that into consideration. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Lewis.

My question, Mr. Speaker, is to the Minister of Safety and Public Services. We have had a strike in the city which has been on for nearly six months now and the federal government did appoint two mediators, who were given responsibility to try to mediate this strike. Were they able to write a report outlining the positions of the two parties, and to propose a solution? I understand they have in fact written an interim report. I would like to ask the Minister since there was a commitment in the press release from the Minister, Hon. Marcel Danis, that this would be made public, if he in fact has received a copy of that interim report yet.

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Since this is of grave concern to all the citizens of Yellowknife and to all Members of this Assembly, I would like to ask the Minister if there has been any communication whatsoever with the Minister so at least we have some idea as to when we may expect a report from the mediators.

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Since the Minister's press release indicated that any report would be made public, would he request that at least the interim report be made public so that we know what is going on?

Mr. Whitford.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Lewis, this is a new question.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Government Leader, this community has been rocked by several instances of violence over the last several weeks

culminating in an incredible amount of violence last Saturday evening. I would like to ask the Minister in light of the fact that the public in this city is concerned about public safety, whether she has taken any steps to make sure there is adequate R.C.M.P. protection in this city for its citizens.

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the involvement we have had on how to use responsibility within our mandate as a territorial government, to help the community of Yellowknife cope with the difficulties this strike is putting upon them. We will be having a session on Monday to see if there are any actions we can take. We are evaluating what has been told to us by the people and proponents who have been involved actively with this strike. This is being done by our department under the honourable Member responsible for safety, as well as with the R.C.M.P. As Members know, the jurisdiction is not ours and we have continually tried to impress upon the Minister responsible in Ottawa to take on a more active responsibility. We have tried in every way we can and we have not received a favourable response, other than that we really have no business putting our nose into his jurisdiction. In terms of protection to the community there are a couple of meetings going on this afternoon. We will summarize these on Monday and see what other action can be taken. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health and Social Services. I have been asked to ask this question. Ever since the amalgamation of Health and Social Services, there are people who take care of financial...

Perhaps the Departments of Social Services and Health are going to be combined to one. I wonder if there is going to be a problem. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the Minister responsible, will be able to answer my questions and concerns during this session, as to how the funding will be allocated to the communities and especially to Sanikiluaq. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Patterson.

(English not provided) ...or when it will take place has not yet been developed so, if the Member is seeking answers to his questions and concerns about funding and about delivery to the community of Sanikiluaq this session, I will not be able to answer those questions because the final plan is not developed. It is going to take more time than I have had up to now. Mr. Speaker, I expect that in the next session there will be more to report about how and when this amalgamation will take place. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister for Health, and is related to the meeting I attended in Spence Bay. An important issue that came out at the meeting, Mr. Speaker, was about welfare recipients being penalized and further constrained in an already restricted lifestyle. I am told that when a welfare recipient can earn some money by carving for others, their assistance is reduced substantially. Sometimes the recipient wants to buy hunting equipment, a rifle, a snow machine, a boat, etc. and, when you walk around the community and visit homes, especially homes of people who depend on welfare, you can see that there is no furniture in those homes. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister look at the policy of provision in his department to make welfare assistance more flexible so that we could make life a little easier? Would the Minister look at the matter seriously? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Member for that question because I agree that there are barriers in place now which do prevent people from pursuing other forms of employment or pursuing hunting, which we would all like to see them do as an alternative to being on welfare. Mr. Speaker, I can tell the Member that this matter is under review by the government, and I am hopeful in my term I will be able to see some reform in our present system so we can deal with the very problem the Member has raised. It is something which needs attention and it is being worked on. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Item 6, Written Questions. Item 7, Returns to Written Questions. Item 8, Replies to Opening Address. Item 9, Petitions. Item 10, Reports of Standing and Special Committees. Item 11, Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills. Item 12, Tabling of Documents. Mr. Pudluk.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to table Tabled Document 6-12(3) correspondence dated October 27, 1992 to Mr. John Hill from Cominco Limited Suppliers Mine, Northwest Territories regarding the continuing increase in assessment rates. I would also like to table Tabled Document 7-12(3) correspondence dated October 31, 1992 addressed to me regarding W.C.B. using a system such as married rebate and super assessment. Both documents are signed by the manager of the mine, A.J. Kean. Thank you.

Tabling of Documents. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table Tabled Document 8-12(3) a letter from Mr. Pilakapsi, the President of the Keewatin Inuit Association extending his appreciation to the Legislative Assembly and to all Members for their support in the recent ratification vote. Thank you.

Item 12, Tabling of Documents. Item 13, Notices of Motion. Item 14, Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item 15, Motions. Item 16, First Reading of Bills. Item 17, Second Reading of Bills. There is no business in Committee of the Whole. Item 20, Third Reading of Bills. Item 21, Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk.

Mr. Speaker, meetings for tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, also at 9:00 a.m. of the

Management and Services Board and at 10:30 a.m. of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. Orders of the day for Thursday, November 19, 1992.

1. Prayer

2. Budget Address

3. Ministers' Statements

4. Members' Statements

5. Returns to Oral Questions

6. Oral Questions

7. Written Questions

8. Replies to Written Questions

9. Replies to Opening Address

10. Replies to Budget Address

11. Petitions

12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

13. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

14. Tabling of Documents

15. Notices of Motion

16. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills

17. Motions

18. First Reading of Bills

- Bill 1, Appropriation Act, No. 1, 1993-94

- Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Condominium Act

- Bill 4, An Act to Amend the Public Trustee Act

- Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act

19. Second Reading of Bills

20. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

21. Report of Committee of the Whole

22. Third Reading of Bills

23. Orders of the Day

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. This House stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 1992.

---ADJOURNMENT