Mr. Speaker, the other week we met with the teachers' union. The negotiators signed an agreement which would go to their members on a vote which would decide whether or not the teachers across the NWT would accept or reject this particular agreement. Last week we met with the Union of Northern Workers. There were initial opening proposals made to the union, which does not give much of an indication where we may possibly end up in the negotiations, but this was shared by someone with CBC anyway, so we all know about that particular broadcast. In the discussions that we have had, we know that -- and I think all Members are aware of the serious financial situation that this government is in. I think we have to do everything we can to make sure that we are not pushed by groups such as, perhaps even arbitration, to give more than what we can financially to our employees. We are clearly asking all public government employees, teachers and government workers across the Territories, to understand and accept very clearly that this government does not have any money; that currently we are roughly overspent by $50 million and over the next year we have to find ways to reduce our expenditures so that we recover that, plus cut out an additional $50 million that will, if we do not do anything, raise us to $100 million deficit position by next year.

So if you are asking me if the idea of legislating the settlement with the union is in the books, I would say, yes, it has to be a consideration. I think all the Members in this House are aware that if we do not have a deal that it may not be to our interest to leave it to arbitration to be resolved, because as a Legislature and as a government we have to be pretty clear fairly soon about exactly how much we are going to expend in all areas. We cannot leave this huge unanswered question floating out there. Is there going to be an increase of zero per cent or two per cent, what has it to do with benefits, what about pay equity? There is a wide range that is possible and I think as a Legislative Assembly we have to be fairly clear fairly soon, that if we do not come up with a deal something else has to be done.

This government is prepared to consider legislation if that is what is required to make sure that financially we are acting in a responsible way. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the senior management in the Government of the NWT, which are covered under the Hay Plan, generally follow whatever is settled with the UNW; what the rest of the government employees get is generally what we try to follow, especially in regard to inflation and increases in salary.

Mr. Speaker, you and I know that I do not have that kind of information in my head. I cannot answer that question.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure whether I am in a position to comment on that item. I have no idea what took place between Dr. Lalonde and others.

Mr. Speaker, I do not know who pulled this. It may have been the Stanton board. I will ascertain that information for the honourable Member and get back to him as soon as I can on it.

Mr. Speaker, I am only aware of one press release and that was the two-paragraph one. If there was another one I will ascertain where this is and I will table it.