Member for Thebacha.

I recognize it is not currently the practice to address issues of O and M under capital, but basically, in my opinion, I certainly would like to see a briefing on the NWT Way model of health care because of a couple of factors. One is that probably some of the decisions in the NWT Way probably affect the capital budget. It was my understanding that they wanted to give us a briefing in caucus, and it was our intention to bring this briefing out into the public forum, and this is probably the only time we could look at such a briefing. So I have no problem with the Minister's intention of presenting such a briefing.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Does that mean, then, that the matter is a matter for debate at this particular juncture? Because I do not agree with the presentation if we cannot challenge or question the direction of the NWT Way in this House at this particular time. I am not opposed to the briefing, but I would like to be able to debate the direction because I do not agree, on principle, with the matter.

Madam Government Leader.

Timing Of Health Briefing A House Decision

Mr. Chairman, I certainly feel that this is up to the will of the House, and we are prepared to give that information. Whether you debate it today, tomorrow or the next day, that would be entirely up to the will of the House -- also including the decision of whether you want to hear it now or later or at another time.

Mr. Gargan.

Members still have the opportunity to deal with Tabled Document 9-12(2), Strength at Two Levels, if they

would like to deal with the NWT Way, that would be the forum to do it. If it is not, then perhaps the other thing is that the capital estimates for this year were based on last year's estimates, which I think were done before the Strength at Two Levels Report was ever implemented. I am not too sure it has any effect on the report itself. So I would like to hear what the briefing is about, but I do not know if it is appropriate to be dealing with it under capital expenditures. If it is, Mr. Chairman, you would be willing to be flexible as to whether we are identifying or addressing a certain capital project and still be able to refer in general to the operation and maintenance of Health.

I think it will be quite difficult to deal with those issues at the same time. Mr. Todd.

Could we proceed with the briefing and hold the discussion until a later date in terms of debate? I am not prepared to sit here at 25 minutes to 5:00 when we are closing at 6:00 and discuss the health of the NWT. So in a sense of trying to reach compromise, perhaps the briefing would be of value; however, the debate should be left until we have an opportunity to do it. I am not about to spend half an hour and debate the NWT Way. I have some serious problems with it and the department.

What we can do is we can hear the briefing and after that briefing just leave it until we start discussing Tabled Document 9-12(2). Is the House agreed? Member for Thebacha.

Can I ask for clarification from the Minister in respect to the NWT Way briefing? Some of the decisions in regard to the NWT Way, the way it has been developed -- does it have an effect on the capital expenditures?

Mr. Minister.

Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, could you tell me under the rules in committee of the whole that speeches must be strictly relevant to the item or clause under consideration? I am wondering if discussing capital also means discussing the operation and maintenance policy. I would think that under Rule 3, where the chairman shall maintain order in deciding all questions, but it says that this order in the committee can only be censored by the Assembly upon receiving a report there of. I thought the Strength at Two Levels report was tabled for discussion. Can you make a ruling with regard to section 79(2), Mr. Chairman?

The matter at issue is capital. If you want to get away from the capital issue, the committee has to agree. Let us take a five-minute break to resolve this problem.

---SHORT RECESS

We have a quorum. The committee is back to order. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On behalf of the ordinary Members caucus and the standing committee on finance, we would at this time extend our appreciation for Mr. Whitford's comments with respect to Health. Given the differences of opinion and the fact that there is the need for considerable debate both within our own group and in the House, we would like to defer this budget to a later date and proceed with Social Services.

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Does the committee agree?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Department Of Social Services

Thank you. We will now go to the Department of Social Services. Mr. Whitford.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. You may proceed with your opening remarks while you are waiting for your witnesses.

Minister's Opening Remarks