Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member did relay a note on two questions that were asked and I realize that yesterday a number of women were in attendance at this Legislative Assembly before I came in. I also took the opportunity at 10:00 a.m. this morning for an hour to meet with them and to hear their particular concerns. On the discussion on violence to women and the problems in that area, what I did encourage was that they continue to bring forth their concerns and work in dialogue because it has been far too long that this issue has been kept in the closet. People were shy to talk about it, people were ashamed to stress their views that their families where having problems, people were concerned about their own private business in the home. The Government of the Northwest Territories on many occasions funds and encourages women to get together to discuss their common concern.

I understand that there will be meetings in two other regions, primarily funded by the Secretary of State of the federal government. At the same time, I believe that funding has been given to women's groups in the Northwest Territories by this government and has allowed the dialogue to begin, the financing of community front line workers, the implementation of the partial solution of having safe houses in the communities to try to help get over these problems while the dialogue is going on. This is the type of support that we have been given. As we come closer to dealing with the justice system and how justice should be applied in the communities with their involvement, I think we have come closer to more of the whole problem that is going on in the changing society we have today on what standards of behaviour are acceptable and which are not. I did say that this government, and the previous Ministers with this particular responsibility in government, will continue to support further talks on this issue so that it can be more out in the open. I think we are well on our way to identifying the issues and what should be done about it.

As a whole, communities are going to have to be encouraged to try to work that problem out at the community level. I have suggested to them that every effort of this government is to try to grapple the problem at the community level, and that their involvement and suggestions would be very much appreciated on a continued basis. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Dent.

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Speaker, the interim statement was presented to the Cabinet this morning. It is being translated as we speak and will be tabled in the House tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Personnel. The Minister of Personnel made a statement in the House last week with regard to the long-term housing strategy. Within this statement he indicated that within 18 months the government will be out of staff housing in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River and Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, he indicated at the same time that sales of housing would go on first preference to government employees who are living in the unit and then to all other government employees. Can the Minister indicate to me if they would consider allowing these housing units to be granted to all government employees as opposed to the ones who are living in the units? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is quite the contrary. Currently, government employees are encouraged to build their own homes. If they do not then they get their housing allowance taken and cut back. There are some employees who either just came into the community or who are living in government units who will be given the first chance to purchase these government units. I have had concerns expressed to me by my constituents that the individuals who took the time to get out of government units by trying to adhere to government policies are at a disadvantage now because they are not being considered for any of these units for sale. I would like to ask the Minister if he can look at this issue and review it. He may want to consider other options with regard to disposing of government units.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Whitford.

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, the jurisdictional responsibility does not lie with the Government of the Northwest Territories. We have always encouraged and supported the two parties getting together to resolve that particular issue and we have tried over the last difficult months to have ongoing meetings with all interested parties in Yellowknife and the people responsible so that everyone will have the same level of information and updating on how much has been going on. As a government we continue to give all the support for the two parties to resolve their issues as well as continue to address the Minister of Labour that he is the one who has the jurisdictional responsibility. We will continue to do that. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member has certainly brought up a very serious issue. I know that we all would like to be in a more responsible position of jurisdiction to do more than we can. At this point in time I do not know if there is a stalemate. The encouraging sign is that the negotiators are continuing to work. They have not given up. The parties are still encouraged to get together. My information does indicate that the negotiators are still around. They are still willing to continue to work on this problem. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Koe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask Mr. Todd a question, but I am not sure what he is responsible for. I will ask a question to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Recently, my colleague, Mr. Ningark, and I had the privilege of travelling to Repulse Bay. While visiting the community health committee we were advised of the situation with one of the housing units in the community. The Minister was advised of this right after our visit. In one of the houses, Mr. Speaker, there were mushrooms growing out of the wood. These mushrooms cause the disease called pulmonary inflammation. It affects the residents. Has the Minister or staff investigated this situation? Do you have an update on what is happening with this unit?

Mr. Morin.