Thank you, Mr. Pudluk. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

I have an emergency statement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House that earlier today, I asked for and received the resignation of the Honourable Titus Allooloo. In response to a question in this Chamber Thursday afternoon, Mr. Allooloo informed Members that he attended a federal/provincial meeting in Saskatoon. In reviewing a chronology of events being prepared for tabling in the House, it came to my attention the Minister's statements may not be true.

As a result of investigations, including a personal meeting with Mr. Allooloo, I have determined that his remarks were not based on fact and constitute a serious misrepresentation to the House. This turn of events is regrettable.

Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the considerable work that Mr. Allooloo has done for the public and the Executive Council, but the House and the public must be able to rely upon the truthfulness of statements given by Members of the Executive Council. It is a principle that I am not prepared to compromise.

Mr. Speaker, in the interim, the responsibilities for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will be handled by the Honourable John Todd and the ministerial responsibilities for the Department of Renewable Resources will be taken over by the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi. Thank you.

Item 2, Ministers' statements, Minister Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'll be presenting two important documents relating to the Workers' Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories. The first document, the 1992 Annual Report, is the official record of the year ended last December 31. In looking to the future of workers' compensation, I will also be tabling the WCB's three year corporate plan.

Mr. Speaker, the Workers' Compensation Act requires that the board prepare an annual report for the responsible Minister to approve and bring to this House. I'm pleased to present the WCB's annual report for the period of January 1 to December 31, 1992.

During 1992, the board handled over 3500 claims and was able to close 95 per cent of them within two months. However, Mr. Speaker, it is well known that the year 1992 was a difficult one in many ways for the board. A combination of factors, including a multiple-death mine disaster, stretched the resources to the point that, for the first time in its history, the WCB was not in a fully funded position. While the news has not been all good, this report confirms that the WCB has operated in a professional and conscientious manner in discharging its duties under the act.

The year of 1992 also saw the final report of this House's Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards, and Commissions which recommended a review and a legislative action paper. The former Minister, Mr. Patterson, initiated the review which was conducted by the Chief Commissioner, Garnet Garven.

In order to increase the regional presence of WCB, board members travelled to the regional centres, visiting with hunters' and trappers' associations, labour and employer groups, government agencies and members of the public. From groups like the Fort Smith Metis Assembly and Kitikmeot Regional Council, to organizations such as NWT Chamber of Mines, the board began to actively seek out the concerns, issues and suggestions of its stakeholders. I understand that this was the first time that the WCB has appeared in the communities of Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the board mailed thousands of copies of a newsletter titled, Directions, to stakeholders across the territories. This newsletter was not some empty marketing exercise. It identified key issues affecting the future of compensation and it presented the pros and cons of each issue. I'm pleased, Mr. Speaker, that the newsletter will be continuing on a quarterly basis with the second issue of it having been just recently released.

The input received from these meetings and from submissions by the board stakeholders, have been very useful to the new board in developing the corporate plan which I will be pleased to table today. The requirement for a corporate plan, Mr. Speaker, is set out in the Financial Administration Act but this plan has not been created as a paper to be filed away. Rather, this three year corporate plan will enable the board to implement new programs and policies that answer a number of the important issues which directly affect the board's claims. Some of the initiatives identified in the plan have already begun, such as the newsletter, and the commitment to visit regional centres and communities. Others will take up to three years to complete.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to draw your attention to some of the more important initiatives. The board has realized that it is not possible to work in isolation. The WCB has therefore established agreements and understandings with several GNWT departments. Safety and education programs and the workers' advisor position are now clearly defined by the WCB and the Department of Safety and Public Services. The board's safety and the young workers' educational program will be offered through the Department of Education.

The board also entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice with regard to inmate compensation and is now in the process of developing an MOU with the Department of Renewable Resources for the administration of the harvesters' compensation program and one with the NWT Housing Corporation to ensure compensation is available to supervisors working under the access program.

Many of the aspects of this plan are internal to the board's operation. But it will be seen by claimants and employers in the form of improved efficiency, lower operating costs and faster turn around. Mr. Speaker, the board has reduced its number of internal committees, from six to three, in order to provide more detailed decisions and expedite hearings. The format of the review committee has been changed. Formerly an external committee, it is now chaired by a full-time staff chairperson.

If we can reduce or eliminate injuries, assessment rates will obviously decline. The board has recently received a report from the Safety Education Advisory Committee, a volunteer body of employers and stakeholders. This report should allow the schools and industries to assist stakeholders in reducing accidents at the work site throughout the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, over the past months, the Workers' Compensation Board has been working toward building a more efficient, less costly system, while at the same time ensuring that the WCB is more accessible and open.

Last July, the board adopted a new impairment rating schedule, moving away from the AMA guidelines which were proving to be unfair, inaccurate and costly. It's my understanding that the board is looking at revising the classification system and implementing a merit rebate surcharge penalty program.

The board has sublet its first-floor space to a tenant, saving about $75,000 a year.

Rehabilitation programs are being carefully managed, to ensure that the services are targeted to the claimant's needs and abilities.

---Applause

The board has, however, adopted a funding strategy to return it to a fully funded position within one year, by a variety of means other than increasing employer premiums or reducing benefits to injured workers.

The primary aim of this corporate plan for the next three years is to maintain the benefits and remuneration paid to workers who are injured in the work place and at the same time achieve a balanced budget and a fully funded position.

The members of the Workers' Compensation Board are looking to the future of compensation in many ways. I believe that this new board is working to serve workers and employers on an individual basis by responding more effectively to the changing economic environment in which we live, taking the necessary steps to improve the quality of services provided to our clients and ensuring that the lines of communication remain open between the board, its staff, its stakeholders and the public. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Mike.

Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for alcohol and drug services, I wish to inform the Members of this Assembly that a unique international conference, "Keeping the Circle Strong in Northern Communities" will be held in Yellowknife, November 22 to November 25, 1993.

The conference is sponsored by Northern Addiction Services, with funding from the federal government and the territorial Department of Social Services. The conference agenda will focus on issues of solvent abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, suicide and addictions; all of which affect each and every one of the communities we serve.

During this conference, the capital city of the Northwest Territories will be host to people from all across the NWT, as well as delegates from the rest of Canada, the United States and as far away as Norway.

Mr. Speaker, through you, I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in commending the efforts of Northern Addiction Services and its program committee for taking the initiative in putting together such an important and innovative conference.

By joining me, this will acknowledge a strong and unified commitment on our part to resolving the difficult and perplexing problems of solvent abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, suicide and addictions. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in preparing the budget for the current fiscal year, the Financial Management Board approved the establishment of a one-time $6 million NWT workers' training fund. The objective of the fund is to support training and employment opportunities which can be managed by community governments through local sponsors. An important aspect of the NWT workers' training fund is that it is available to all communities in the territories. Funding is allocated to each community based on working age population and the number of people seeking work. Proposals must contain a job training component for each participant and must provide future access to training by upgrading skills or job opportunities.

Since the projects are designed at the local level, the fund enhances community-based decision-making and provides the kind of training and work experience that is considered important by the community.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, 525 people have received or are receiving support for training and work experience through this program. Training proposals for another 22 people are currently being processed by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs. The total value of these proposals is almost $5.3 million. New proposals continue to be received by the department and we expect to spend a full $6 million by the end of the fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT workers' training fund has been a valuable addition to the job training programs carried on throughout the Northwest Territories. It has been particularly important in helping to address the specific training needs of the communities. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the presentation of the report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services was very much appreciated by Cabinet and I am sure by all Members of the Legislative Assembly. On behalf of Cabinet, and more specifically, the Ministers of Health and Social Services, I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Members of the special committee for a very thoughtful and considerate report.

Mr. Speaker, some work is under way in several areas in both the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services, which will resolve problems identified by the special committee. However, a great deal of work remains to be done and we look forward to reviewing the report in committee of the whole and receiving direction from this Assembly.

Again, I would like to thank the Members of the special committee for an excellent report. It will provide a solid foundation for change. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Madam Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On November 16, 1885, Louis Riel was found guilty of treason by the Government of Canada and hung at Regina, Saskatchewan. Louis Riel was the Metis, French-speaking founder of Manitoba. The visionary who wanted to see the west free and a homeland for people to live together peacefully.

Last week, on November 16, 1993, 108 years since the death of the Metis leader of Canada, Louis Riel -- and I am sure my honourable colleagues will agree -- also commemorates and continues various forms of suffrage for Metis, not only in Canada, but in the north as well.

Over the past 20 years, issues such as Metis land base, health benefits, equity funding for Metis heritage and culture, criteria extending educational benefits for Metis and post-secondary learning institutions and equity for Metis women in the workforce are only some of the issues which northern born Metis have sought through the northern democratic process and through the territorial government.

Today, November 22, 1993, Metis can no longer identify as individual Metis on health care cards which have been removed, where once Metis could mark an "M" on our health care cards.

A ceiling has been imposed by the Department of Education for students on post-secondary education in the professions such as law, medicine and engineering. Whereby the average student including Metis students now have to pay tuition fees over and above the initial ceiling imposed by this government.

Funding criteria through contribution agreements remains stagnant for the Metis Heritage Association. Mr. Speaker, it seems when issues relating to Metis are proposed to be addressed, I certainly cannot use the words "proposed" and "implemented" because few services have been implemented, although many have been proposed.

Mr. Speaker, I challenge this government to make every effort to address many outstanding issues which affect the daily lives of Metis people in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The GNWT supplies fuel to 44 of our communities. In most of those communities, the GNWT owns the bulk fuel storage facilities. However, in at least one community, Cambridge Bay, a private company owns the bulk fuel storage facility. This company charges the GNWT a storage fee for POL products in order to receive a return on their capital investment. These storage charges are added by the Department of Public Works and Services to the POL prices paid by consumers. In all other communities, where the government has spent millions of dollars in capital investments to establish and maintain their tank farms, no charges for the capital cost are factored into the POL prices paid by consumers. Mr. Speaker, this is an unacceptable and unfair situation. The GNWT, by passing on their storage fees, has created an inequity by passing on the responsibility to provide bulk fuel storage facilities in Cambridge Bay. Based on the GNWT's POL retail price list of November 1, 1992, Cambridge Bay and Bathurst Inlet consumers pay 95 cents a litre for gasoline. We share this distinction with residents of Snare Lake, as having the highest price in the NWT and possibly North America.

Mr. Speaker, the Kitikmeot region pays the highest cost of fuel oil products in the entire Northwest Territories. The average litre price for gasoline and heating oil in the NWT,-- again based on those GNWT retail price lists of November 1, 1992,-- per region is as follows: for gasoline, the Baffin averages 66.8 cents per litre, the Keewatin is 72.4 cents, the Inuvik region is 73.1 cents, in Fort Smith it's 76 cents and in the Kitikmeot it is 86 cents a litre; for heating oil, the Baffin is 59 cents, the Keewatin and Inuvik and at 63 cents, Fort Smith 65 cents and the Kitikmeot is 73.8 cents.

Four to five communities paying over 90 cents per litre for gasoline in the NWT are from Kitikmeot. Six out of the nine communities paying over 70 cents a litre for heating oil are from the Kitikmeot.

Mr. Ng, your allotted time has expired.

I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue with his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, there is no apparent reason for the excessive POL pricing in the Kitikmeot compared to other regions in the NWT, with the exception of the GNWT unfairly passing on tank storage charges to consumers in Cambridge Bay.

Mr. Speaker, I'll be addressing this matter later on during question period. Mahsi.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the lack of response in Fort Providence to the activities held during the alcohol and drug awareness week.

The whole purpose of this week of activities was to increase the community's awareness of alcohol problems and perhaps to refrain from drinking and reflect upon our own circumstances.

On Friday night, there was to be an alcohol-free dance held in the community but, unfortunately, this had to be cancelled due to the unforeseen ferry shutdown. The community barbecue on Tuesday was very successful with lots of children participating. As a matter of fact, they just about ran out of food it was so successful.

However, Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my disappointment about the attendance at the community feast on Saturday night. It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that the majority of drinkers in Fort Providence chose to continue drinking rather than refrain for that one day. In fact, Mr. Speaker, there was a large turnout of children who attended the feast without their parents. It embarrasses me, Mr. Speaker, that the parents or grandparents could not stop drinking for this one day to set a good example for their children. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I am angry about the lack of response by the community to stop drinking and the fact that people would not take the opportunity to re-evaluate their life-style for this one little week.

We do not ask much of the community. Has booze become so important to these people that they are not willing to compromise even a little?

Mr. Speaker, I'm very disappointed that every time I go to an alcohol-free event I end up seeing the same people who I see at mass the following Sunday. As Dene people, what is the first priority? Is it booze or our children? Our duty first and foremost, our sacred trust, is to our children, to provide for their care and education. Secondly, we as parents must try to set a good example for our children and live life responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, I have a message for the residents of Fort Providence. The Members of the community...

Excuse me, Mr. Gargan, your allotted time has elapsed.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to get unanimous consent to continue my statement.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, I have a message for the residents of Fort Providence. Members of the community who organized community events are getting discouraged. They are having a hard time justifying their time and efforts to put on an event that ends up being poorly attended because people are too busy drinking to be involved in our community.

It is time for those people with drinking problems to wise up and take some time to get involved with the community and to set an example for our children. Should volunteers, Mr. Speaker, be making these efforts, or is it a waste of time? Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, it is a waste of time and maybe we should look at stopping all social events.

Christmas is one month away and volunteers are required for the midnight mass. Anyone under the influence of alcohol will not be admitted under any circumstances. Please try to set a good example for our youth by attending this community celebration in a sober state. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My Member's statement will try to represent some of the views of the Advisory Committee on Social Housing.

The Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation, with the cooperation of this Legislative Assembly, dissolved the NWT Housing Corporation board with the agreement to replace it with the Advisory Committee on Social Housing, including Members of this Assembly. However, Mr. Speaker, this committee has not been actively involved in strategic planning to deal with the housing crises that we are facing today. One example, the Minister wrote to advisory committee Members proposing to meet on Wednesday, at 6:00 pm after he returns from an Ottawa meeting on housing matters.

Mr. Speaker, we're starting to wonder whether or not the Minister and the president of the Housing Corporation take the Advisory Committee on Social Housing seriously. I, for one, did not have any plans to down play the former Housing Corporation board. Rather, I want to be active and as dedicated as they were in doing my job in that capacity. I am sure the other Members of the advisory committee share these same thoughts.

I'm not trying to down play the Minister's energy and hard work in trying to deal with that problem, all I'm saying is that we were appointed by this Legislative Assembly, let us participate so that the task will be easier.

Mr. Speaker, I have no choice but to bring this matter to the House. I will be asking questions of the Minister on this issue later. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend I was privileged to be in Inuvik to participate in the opening of the new health insurance services division. Mr. Speaker, it was over one year ago, on June 16, 1992, that announcements of decentralization were made. Inuvik was chosen as the regional centre for this branch of the Department of Health. There have been many positive effects of this decision, especially in Inuvik, where the 12 employees who were transferred, currently 10 are employed in the division. Of those ten, I think nine of them are from the Inuvik region. There are many people to thank and many departments and agencies involved in the timing of the opening. I would like to thank Arctic College for the decentralization training program they put in place for this, the Department of Health, all the new staff who were trained and are now working in these offices, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation who own the building these offices are in and lease back to the government and the people of Inuvik for attending the opening and witnessing this historic event.

In cases of decisions like this, I will personally continue to support initiatives to decentralize, not only in my own constituency, but across the north wherever it is feasible. When we make decisions such as this, it allows government to bring the delivery of their programs closer to the people of the north. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For 15 years the NWT Council for Disabled Persons has held a celebrity auction. In the past, I would offer to teach a class, any age, grade or level, except home economics. I taught the whole Jackson family for one whole day in Mr. Kakfwi's area at Fossil Lake. It was a real challenge. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank, on behalf of all Yellowknife MLAs and those people from out of town, who supported the NWT Council for Disabled Persons' celebrity auction on Saturday night. They were able to raise $21,000 and more and more...

---Applause

...groups like this are being asked to try to find other ways of funding their organizations as the government's ability to fund these organizations is being reduced. I hope it is recognized that people do make a big effort and we should recognize that as we look at funding these very important social organizations. I would like to thank the following Members: Mr. Allooloo; Mr. Antoine; Madam Cournoyea; Mr. Nerysoo; and, Madam Mike for their assistance.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, although there is no liquor store in Iqaluit -- it was closed to over-the-counter sales in 1976 as a result of strong public pressure -- out of a population of 3,500 people, there were apparently 2,371 intoxicated persons incarcerated for their own protection in cells last year. Although many were repeat offenders.

At a recent Liquor Licensing Board hearing on an application by the Kamotiq Inn for a cocktail lounge licence -- which I am pleased the board turned down -- many long-term residents expressed their concerns about the lack of resources devoted to liquor inspections in Iqaluit. I have received more expressions of concerns from my constituents about the adequacy of liquor inspections in Iqaluit following a death by a stab wound alleged to have occurred outside a certain licensed premise in Iqaluit this weekend. Although I would like to stress, this it is not clear at all whether over-serving is an issue in this case.

In Iqaluit, sales from one licensed premise are reported to have amounted to approximately 24,000 cans of beer in one month. A sizable portion of the revenues of which went back to our government in the form of taxes and mark-up. However, the Department of Safety and Public Services has only budgeted $25,000 per year for contract liquor inspection in Iqaluit. As I understand it, with the number of licensed premises in town, this sum only provides for about one inspection per premise per week. About one month ago, the contract was cancelled by the town of Iqaluit. There has, therefore, been no inspection services available for that time. I know efforts have been made to replace that service. So today I will be asking the Minister of Safety and Public Services what steps his department is taking to provide adequate liquor inspection services for the town of Iqaluit. Qujannamiik.

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement is regarding family allowances. The people who are employed do not receive family allowance any more. We have recognized that even carvers in the communities receive this even though they are employed. This is coming up more and more that they are not receiving the allowance they should be getting. I will be asking more about this information. It is very difficult to try to get income in the north. For that reason, I will say that family allowance is getting less and less. I will be asking to get more explanation on this. Even though they go to school, there are many families without regular income. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Last week, the Prime Minister of the country was here for the official opening of the new Legislative Assembly building as an invited guest. The Premier, Nellie Cournoyea, had a meeting with the Prime Minister during the Commissioner's opening address. On behalf of the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the people in the Northwest Territories, I would like to know what happened during this private discussion with the Prime Minister.

I would like to ask the Premier to share with us what was discussed at this historic meeting. Would she tell the House what items were discussed and were there any agreement or pledges of support on any of the key issues which northern people and this Legislative Assembly are facing today? Mahsi.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I believe there was a brief press release out on that, but I'll just recap it for you. I had just under 20 minutes to speak with the Prime Minister, Jean Chretien. What I expressed to him was that we would very much like to get our financial house in order on a number of issues. I related to him that the number one issue was the housing issue and that the number two issue was the health billings issue. As well, I believe we very briefly mentioned the issue of the military, the review they are doing and the request for our involvement.

We talked mostly about a positive and more open relationship between the territorial and federal governments, and the relationship of the territorial government at federal-provincial meetings. There was a commitment, particularly to resolve the financial issues that are presently at stake. The Prime Minister indicated that he felt he had indications from the Members of Parliament, particularly on the housing issue, and that had to be resolved. He said he would do everything he could to try to come to a conclusion on that, including discussing that with the Minister of Indian Affairs.

I said I would follow up with a detailed letter on the concerns we have so that we might address them at a date in the near future when he had more time to deal with them. As well, I also indicated that there were land claims that were being settled and land claims that would be settled in a different manner, perhaps. That is all we had time to discuss, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier indicated that there was some discussion on housing. We all know that housing is not being funded by the federal government any more and we regard this as a crisis in the north today. Was there any strong commitment made by the Prime Minister to address this pressing issue? Mahsi.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I don't wish to give overly optimistic results of the meeting, but when I did indicate to him that was the number one issue, he said he would deal with the Minister of Indian Affairs on that matter. As well, I indicated that Mr. Morin would be meeting with the Minister responsible for Housing, which was previously CMHC, whether that exists or not.

There was a strong indication that he recognized that it possibly was an oversight. I did mention to him that we had come to some kind of understanding with the Minister of the previous government that there was an oversight in dealing with the Northwest Territories. It appears there was optimism. I believe that will be determined by our follow-up meetings with them, as soon as that's possible. Mr. Morin will be leaving later today to meet with the Minister responsible for housing. Upon his return, we'll assess all the meetings that have taken place, and continue to try to resolve it.

We also provided information to the Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, which we have been doing on an ongoing basis, and also to Jack Anawak. They are also coordinating the information and the priority as we indicated. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Premier. Last week, we also had another invited guest, the new Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Ron Irwin. I understand that Cabinet had a private meeting with Mr. Irwin. Can the Premier advise this House as to what issues were discussed with Mr. Irwin.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, all of the topics that were addressed with the Prime Minister were carried over into the discussions with the Minister of Indian Affairs. We concentrated heavily on the financial situation because the issues that were of concern relate to whether we can financially afford the resolution of those problems. The Minister of Finance is doing a follow-up on all of those areas so we can capsulize exactly what those discussions were.

The other issues we discussed included the northern accord. I did not discuss this with the Prime Minister because when I was about to bring it up, he indicated that he was interested in looking at the overall devolution of responsibilities to the territorial government, taking into consideration other interests, but moving ahead in that area.

All the issues that I related to Mr. Chretien were passed on to Mr. Ron Irwin in addition to the northern accord. In addition, we also discussed outstanding land claim issues, whether they should be under the comprehensive claim or go a different route with that as well. I don't know if I missed anything. I don't have a comprehensive list. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier advise us as to what kinds of responses Mr. Irwin made? Were they

positive, were they forward-looking or were they non-committal types of responses?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, if I read the Minister, the Honourable Ron Irwin -- given the financial situation in Canada -- I thought he was very, very optimistic and positive about the resolutions of our problems. It may be because he was new, but he was very positive and he thought there would be -- in terms of the global issue of where we are going as a territory -- that these issues could be resolved. On the housing issue he felt there could be some solution. It may be not be through the area of the Housing Corporation or CMHC, but another avenue of addressing the issue. However, he did admit that perhaps he was not as tuned in to his department, but at the same time he felt that our concerns were legitimate, should be addressed and we should move ahead as quickly as possible. It may be that because we have two very active Members of Parliament who we communicate with and try to keep the same message going forward that he was more optimistic of resolving these problems than I thought he would be. I hope if he can come even 75 per cent of the way that would be very good for the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Last week we heard on the radio that an agreement was made to resolve the health billings for doctors. Can the Premier advise us, were any other types of agreements made with the Minister?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, there was no other arrangements or documents signed between the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories, at that time. That was the only document that was offered for us to conclude, and that's a $ 7 million health physician arrangement that we had. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I read an article in the paper that the new Minister, Minister Irwin, was going to concentrate a lot of his efforts on one part of his portfolio, that of Indian affairs. He was going to leave the northern development issues to the various departments. Did Minister Irwin make any comment or statements to you as to how he was going to handle the development of the north?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, he did not. He recognized the contraction, perhaps, of his portfolio and perhaps some other Ministers' involvement. Perhaps through his relationship with aboriginal bands in the past and the fact -- like I say, we have two very active Members -- he seemed to be very excited that he would be involved in the northern development part of the Northwest Territories or his portfolio. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the same issue, Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister addressed us last week he indicated that during the time he is Prime Minister he intends to complete the process of devolution, of power to the territorial government. In the Premier's conversations with the Prime Minister, was there any discussion at all about the kinds of things that could be devolved to this government?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the address of the Prime Minister of Canada to this Legislative Assembly was well received by myself. The steps he was willing to go in devolution were not discussed at our meeting, we delved with specific areas. When he made the presentation to the Legislative Assembly it was a welcome message to me that he was willing to go as far as he did indicating he was going to be open for these discussions. Even though it was not discussed at our meeting because -- like I said, we only had under 20 minutes. He never did indicate to me that he was going to make an announcement saying he was willing to devolve further, in our meeting. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is under tremendous pressure to devolve powers to other levels of government, including the provisions of transfers to communities and there is also some discussion about regional forms of government. Does the government have a list of the kinds of things that it would like to have from the federal government in any terms of priority so we can look at where the power sharing should go from here?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I think it's a well-known fact that the priority to us has been the northern accord. The Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs has given a definitive list after that, and I believe that's land and water, and also mining. Perhaps the Minister can specify in detail a little more exactly where those sit. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We were told 20 years ago that the northern program was going to disappear in Ottawa, but it still has a fairly big infrastructure which has to be moved. Was there any discussion about a timetable for disbanding that northern program which assumes a large number of resources?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, it did come up in the conversation with the Minister of Indian Affairs. I believe that's the next stage we're going to go to, to work on a timetable on how that can happen. There was interest but the discussion was not very long. It was just a statement that we should proceed to set some kind of timetable, but the inclusion of all the areas was not discussed. It was just a statement to set some kind of timetable with the priorities. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have had a history of devolution whereby we've been very keen to take on powers. The Prime Minister did say in his statement that he would hand over powers to this government at a pace that made sense to us. I'd like to ask the Premier, today, if she would give us an undertaking that when we take over something from the federal government that we get the resources we need to assume that responsibility. It doesn't matter how badly we want it. Will she give that undertaking today that we won't take something just for the sake of getting it, but we'd want all the resources to do the job properly.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I can make that undertaking. I know there has been a sense of frustration that we haven't signed a northern accord, but that's specifically why we haven't signed a northern accord. We can't give you that undertaking that the parameters for the northern accord addresses that particular issue. Yes, I will. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the matter of the housing crises and further to the Government Leader. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask, was the Government Leader, in her discussions with the honourable Prime Minister, able to convey the urgency of getting a resolution of this matter before winter roads and before tenders are awarded for construction for the coming year. Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I didn't mention winter roads. I did not mention all this. Having less than 20 minutes, as much as I could I talked about the well-being of people, the concern of health issues as it relates to housing, the backlog, the housing needs issues that have been identified and the concern for elders. However, I didn't mention winter roads or anything else. I hope the urgency was there in relation to the human well-being. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do realize it was quite a short window of opportunity on a very busy day. Could I ask the Government Leader, the Prime Minister undertook to look into the matter and consult with appropriate Ministers, did the Prime Minister give any indication as to how quickly our government would be able to get an answer on whether help would be extended in time to build houses for the coming year? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, no, he did not indicate specifically on the timetable, but I believe that he was well aware that we were meeting with the Minister of Indian Affairs. As well, I did tell him that the Honourable Donnie Morin, Minister of Housing, would be meeting with the appropriate Minister, and immediately after that we would like to consolidate where we are. Then we would like to have a meeting with him in that specific regard along with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and the aboriginal organizations that have been tracking this particular issue. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know. I'll have to take the question as notice, sorry.

The 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 Housing with respect to the point system that is currently used to determine housing allocations for public units. The point system used seems to be a cumbersome system which can be easily manipulated and doesn't necessarily identify individuals who are in need of housing. Therefore, I'd like to ask the Minister of Housing, would he undertake to review the point system that the Housing Corporation has in place to determine allocations for public housing? Thank you.

Minister of Housing, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will put that item on the agenda of the Advisory Committee on Social Housing. I've talked to the Member previously about this and other Members have raised the issue, so we will review the point system.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. For several years now, I have been pursuing the issue of the development of a northern accord strategy, or a northern accord agreement, between the federal government and the territorial government. It's also a very big issue and has impact on land claim agreements. It's one of the outstanding issues in the Gwich'in agreement. Earlier today, the Premier mentioned that this issue was discussed with the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs. Can the Minister advise this House as to the status of a northern accord agreement?

Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the problems we've been having with the northern accord are all related to financial issues. We have chosen not to sign a final accord based on the previous government's offer. Like I said, we did raise the issue of the northern accord with the present Minister and we would like to resume negotiations at the earliest opportunity. If a few financial issues could be resolved, a final agreement could be struck in a relatively short period of time. The most important remaining issue concerns the Government of the Northwest Territories' access to a share of revenues from Norman Wells Crown interest, in order to establish a source of funding for oil and gas development purposes and the removal of the fiscal disincentive to encourage oil and gas development costs by the perversity factor. Mr. Speaker, those are the issues that stand in the way.

As I said previously in a question that was relayed to the Government Leader, we have indicated to the Prime Minister and also the Minister of Indian Affairs, that it's very important if we are going to support the interest of the Northwest Territories' residents and people interested in development, that the first thing required is for some kind of development fund to allow individual corporations to get their foot in the door. We know the equity that has to be raised if you want to proceed. There are avenues if you can find some equity, but still there is often a requirement with development corporations where they don't have the equity. So it's very important that if we are going to take this responsibility, we recognize that and there should be a pool of resources, not only just to take over the responsibility, but to support the people of the Northwest Territories and groups to get involved in the development and have a share in what that development is. I believe this is the only thing that's holding us up right now and that we have to have some commitment on a development fund. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mr. Speaker, the development of an oil and gas northern accord is very important and is one of the issues -- and I think it's an outstanding issue -- of several of the land claim agreements. Can the Minister advise us as to whether or not she's been involving the aboriginal groups in the discussions in the development of a northern accord?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, all the aboriginal groups have the latest document on our submission. It hasn't changed for a period of time. So there may be a criticism that some groups will say we're not keeping them up to date, but that's because we haven't had anything new to offer in the change of status.

The document itself and the proposal, if we call it that, to the federal government is well-known, well-distributed and well-recognized. We just haven't had any change in the last year and a half, and the areas where we feel there is a shortfall still remain the same. When there is a request for further information, we just keep sending the same explanation and I'm sure that everybody is getting fairly bored with it and wondering why there hasn't been any action on that part, but there has been no change from almost a year and a half.

If there was a change, we would convene a meeting. If there's change, I expect that we will want to deal with the organizations. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mr. Speaker, given the recent discussions with both the Prime Minister and the new Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs on the northern accord, assuming that there are going to be some new initiatives happening, what time frame is the Minister looking at to begin discussions and try to wrap up the northern accord agreement?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, the follow-up communication to the Minister of Indian Affairs is being prepared under the auspices of the Minister of Finance, mainly because it encompasses a lot of financial issues. That communication should be going to tabulate what we felt the meeting was all about and we will provide a copy to you. Give it a few days and see if we can come up with a timetable. We have the assurance of many of the major groups that they will support the initiative so we can move ahead. This document has yet to be concluded, but it will be forwarded very shortly. Then we will try to seek a timetable from the Minister of Indian Affairs.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Programs with regard to student transportation. I tabled a petition on Friday. Before then, in speaking with the Minister, he indicated that the policy would be brought to Cabinet. I would like to know if this new policy has been brought to Cabinet.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to indicate to the honourable Member that the manner in which the formulas will be addressed in terms of providing funding to educational boards has been dealt with. The appropriate and necessary additional financing for transportation will be approved in this House through supplementary appropriation, to be voted on by all Members of this House during this session.

Supplementary, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know when the Minister expects to bring in the supplementary appropriations.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is not really for me to determine when the supplementary appropriation is to be brought in by the Minister of Finance. However, I can indicate to the honourable Member that, once the Minister of Finance has brought forward the supplementary appropriation to the Standing Committee on Finance and received their comments and advice, that particular supplementary appropriation will be forwarded to this House, hopefully during this session.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Education. In November, 1992 there was a band motion on the interpreter/translator position being relocated on the reserve. Since the building on the reserve was to opened in March, I wrote a letter to the Minister on March 3, requesting him to relocate the South Slavey interpreter/translator position to the reserve. The response was that it would happen after the amalgamation of Education, Culture and Communications, and so on. The last letter I received was in November, 1992.

The response said that because the department was looking at reorganization and they were evaluating the positions, they weren't willing to consider the request at that time. This was one year ago to date, November 22. I would like to ask the Minister whether this evaluation has already been done one year later and whether there is an openness to -- through the community transfer initiative or other means -- transfer the translator/interpreter position to the Hay River reserve?