Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Metis and non-status Dene people of the NWT have long believed in their aboriginal rights, that they are aboriginal people with rights equal to those of the Dene and Inuit. In Canada it is recognized that the Metis people are aboriginal people with the same rights that Dene and Inuit people have. Although Metis are included in section 35 of Canada's constitution as one of three aboriginal peoples having existing aboriginal and treaty rights, the Metis people are not clearly recognized in law.

Metis and non-status Dene are living together under the same economic conditions in northern communities, with their Dene and in some cases Inuit and Inuvialuit relatives but are not treated as having equal aboriginal rights, especially in relation to health benefits. In October 1990 the Legislative Assembly of the NWT accepted Motion 70-90(2), "That the Minister of Health make renewed attempts at finding a solution and funds to provide medical services to the Metis people of the NWT on the same basis as that provided the status Dene and Inuit people under the Indian Health Policy.'

Mr. Speaker, I would like all Members to support this motion, as potential beneficiaries are deeply concerned with the timing of the present budgeting process in relationship to implementing Metis health benefits in the near future. I realize the financial restraints the government is experiencing, but in determining priorities, the health of all people must come first. On behalf of the Metis and non-status Dene of the NWT, I urge each of you to support this request for those same health benefits as our Dene and Inuit friends receive.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Member for Inuvik has articulated my concerns and my position quite well.

Mr. Gargan.

I, too, would like to support the motion. There was a motion passed in 1983, which I introduced, to have the health benefits extended to the Metis population of the NWT, and there was again a motion done a second time by myself and followed by Mr. Morin. This will be the fourth motion that has requested this government to support the Metis people in achieving that. But also the population of the native people are now at an age in that their health is a problem, and they do not have the income to subsidize their health. So we have a situation where we do have a group of people that are now demanding to have their health taken care of, but they cannot afford to take care of their own health financially. I think that is that category we really should be concerned about. In my own community we are starting to have a large Metis population that are getting old and would require assistance in maintaining their health. I do have concern for them. I will be supporting the motion.

To the motion.

Question.

Question is being called. Mr. Koe, if you could conclude debate.

Question.

Motion 14-12(2), Carried

Question is being called. All those in favour? Opposed, if any? The motion is carried.

--- Carried

Motions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek unanimous consent to deal with the motion I introduced yesterday regarding moving the interim report of the special committee on constitutional reform into committee of the whole.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik, that the Assembly recommends that the interim report of the special committee on constitutional reform be moved into committee of the whole for discussion.

Mr. Nerysoo, I have reviewed this motion and I find your motion out of order. Motions. Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with my motion today regarding appointment of alternates to the special committee on constitutional reform.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to proceed with his motion. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS the special committee on constitutional reform has requested that consideration be given to adding two Members as alternates to the special committee;

AND WHEREAS the work of the special committee is sufficient to require the appointment of two alternate

Members;

AND WHEREAS the striking committee has considered this matter,,

NOW THEREFORE, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for High Arctic, that not withstanding Rule 89(2), that Mr. Arngna'naaq and Mrs. Marie-Jewell be named as alternate Members to the special committee on constitutional reform.

Your motion is in order, Mr. Lewis. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

--- Carried

Motions.

Item 16, first reading of bills.

Item 17, second reading of bills.

Item 18, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters: Tabled Document 9-12(2), Strength at Two Levels; Tabled Document 10-12(2), Reshaping Northern Government; Tabled Document 12-12(2), Plebiscite Direction; Motion 6-12(2), Discussion on Sobriety Clause in Contribution Agreements, with Mr. Nerysoo in the chair.

Mr. Chairman, I move that we report progress.

Thank you. The motion is not debatable. All those in favour) All those opposed? Mr. Morin, you cannot be voting out of that chair. The motion is defeated.

--- Defeated

Mr. Koe.

I would like to recommend that we take a five minute recess.