Thank you, Mr. Gargan. I take this opportunity to welcome to the Assembly, Mr. Gary Bohnet, President of the Metis Nation.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with a short summary of the discussions and agreements reached at the western Premiers' conference, hosted last Thursday, November 25, by the Province of Alberta.

Last year, the Northwest Territories and Yukon were invited to participate as full members of the western Premiers' process. We have continued in the capacity as full participants at this year's conference.

Since many of our economic and social ties flow directly to the western provinces, the Government of the Northwest Territories viewed membership in the western Premiers' process as an important opportunity to build on and consolidate those relationships.

The western Premiers' conference this year, was reduced in time from two days to only one. However, I believe a great deal was accomplished in that one-day meeting.

The agenda for the western Premiers' conference covered the following main topics: the western economy within the Canadian context; federal/provincial fiscal renewal; and, western cooperation.

There were a number of issues discussed within this overall agenda and these issues included job creation and infrastructure, economic development and western economic diversification, skills development and labour market training, internal trade barriers, international trade and agriculture.

Premiers also discussed debt management and deficit reduction and identified these issues as a critical national problem. Western premiers released the western Finance Ministers' report, Partnership for Fiscal Renewal, at the conference following their final meeting on November 24. The Northwest Territories has actively participated in the development of this report.

Finally, Premiers reviewed and released an inventory of existing areas of cooperation between the western provinces and the territories.

Mr. Speaker, I intend to table a copy of this inventory, the western Finance Ministers' report and the communiques from the conference, for the information of Members of this Assembly. For the benefit of the Members, I will briefly summarize the discussions and areas of agreement.

Provincial and territorial Premiers focused on the proposed federal infrastructure program during their discussions on job creation and infrastructure.

While the federal infrastructure program was welcomed, concern was expressed that it should be considered as a supplement which would not result in reduced federal transfer payments or a reduction to existing program and project commitments to territories and to the provinces.

The western Premiers urged that the program allocation criteria be re-examined to make it more equitable for western Canada. The federal government was urged to incorporate the principles and criteria agreed to at the meeting into the national infrastructure program.

I am pleased to say, as a result of the representation from the Northwest Territories and Yukon, western Premiers were unanimous that federal funding and allocations should take into account the special circumstances of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

---Applause

The Premiers endorsed the recommendations of the western Finance Ministers' report, which calls for a cooperative and comprehensive strategy to deal with Canada's growing public sector debt.

That actions of the provinces and territories to address fiscal difficulties in their own jurisdictions was recognized. Provincial and territorial governments have plans to resolve their deficit problems and western leaders stressed that they should not be penalized for their responsible actions.

Western leaders called on all First Ministers to work together to set essential program priorities and to work in partnership to resolve this national problem.

A commitment was made by western Premiers, to bring this message to Ottawa at their meeting with the Prime Minister in December.

With respect to western economic cooperation, western and territorial leaders reviewed provincial, territorial and regional priorities for economic development and diversification. They reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated and cooperative approach to addressing their shared objectives.

Among other initiatives, Premiers and leaders agreed, jointly, to develop a regional trade promotion and marketing plan and a western strategy for cooperation in science and technology.

Ministers responsible for the various initiatives are to report on each item, before the 1994 western Premiers' conference in Manitoba, next spring.

From the point of view of the Northwest Territories, western Premiers recognized the importance of current economic arrangements -- EDAs -- to the territories. More importantly, western Premiers agreed to propose that those current arrangements be expanded to ensure that the territorial governments be full participants in future western initiatives and consultations concerning regional development.

Premiers and government leaders indicated their support for the continuation of multilateral federal/ provincial/territorial negotiations, on the reduction of internal trade barriers. The Northwest Territories is a participant in these negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, I think Members will be interested in the number of different areas where there is existing cooperation between the western provinces and territories. We have a copy of the inventory on these cooperative arrangements that we do have.

The inventory, prepared by Alberta, with the assistance of the western provinces and both territories, provides evidence of the sharing of expertise and resources. These cooperative efforts have provided an access to a broader range of services at less cost than would otherwise be the case. In addition, these cooperative efforts have saved lives and, in one case, saved a community in northern Manitoba, besieged by a forest fire, from destruction.

The inventory provides an excellent basis for future cooperative efforts and actions that are currently under way.

The Northwest Territories provides a significant opportunity, with respect to future cooperation based on potential mining and infrastructure initiatives. I have identified this potential with my western colleagues and intend to provide more detail at the western Premiers' conference, in the spring of 1994, in Manitoba.

Similarly, responsible Ministers from the western provinces and territories have been asked to report on other potential areas of cooperation before the spring conference.

Mr. Speaker, I have another statement. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable John Pollard will be leaving the House this afternoon and will be absent for the remainder of the week, to attend a federal/provincial/territorial Finance Ministers' meeting in Halifax. While in Halifax, Mr. Pollard will also be attending an Economic Development and Finance Ministers' meeting. During his absence, the Honourable Richard Nerysoo will serve as Government House Leader.

The Honourable John Todd will be leaving for Halifax tomorrow to attend the Economic Development and Finance Ministers' meeting and will also be away from the House for the remainder of the week. Mr. Todd's return to Yellowknife will be delayed until next Monday evening due to a meeting in Rankin Inlet with the Honourable Ron Irwin, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government recognizes the need to adjust food allowances in a manner that reflects local realities and keeps pace with the changing economy.

Because of this, the budget available for the Department of Social Services' social assistance food allowance has been increased by over $2 million in the past 18 months.

Members will recall that in April of 1992, there was a five per cent increase in the food allowance. The increase resulted in additional expenditures of about $400,000 per year.

In October of this year, the food scales and food allowance rates were changed based on the results of the most recent food costs survey conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Statistics. The recent increases are expected to result in additional expenditures of $1.6 million. For a family of four, the changes will mean increases of up to $280 per month.

Mr. Speaker, the changes are responsive to the needs of people who are not able to provide basic levels of subsistence for themselves or their families. The cost of food in communities throughout the territories will continue to be monitored in order to make sure that the allowances reflect changes that take place in local, regional and territorial economies. Qujannamiik.

---Applause

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, this government has made a commitment to transfer more government programs to the community level. Some of the 79 positions identified were decentralized in April, while others are targeted

for 1994. To ensure that people have the skills to fill these positions, the Financial Management Board approved $800,000 for 1992-93 and another $784,000 for 1993-94 for decentralization training. I would like to bring you up to date on this initiative.

A total of 86 students from across the NWT have taken various training courses through Arctic College over the past year. Another 33 students have enrolled in Arctic College programs being offered this fall through decentralization funding. These programs are scheduled to be completed by June, 1994.

Approximately twice the number of candidates as the number of positions being decentralized have received training. This is to ensure that there is a pool of trained candidates to compete for these jobs, as well as those vacated by current government or private sector employees moving to decentralized jobs and those freed up by normal staff turnover. To date, 12 students have been offered decentralized positions.

In addition to the students pursuing studies through Arctic College, 13 positions were established through the public service career training program to prepare people for decentralization. These training positions are located in Rankin Inlet, Inuvik, Fort Simpson and Iqaluit. I am pleased to say that the training for the positions in Inuvik are now completed and all candidates were very successful. The trainees from Rankin Inlet are due to finish in December, while the Iqaluit trainees will finish in 1994 and the Fort Simpson trainees in 1995.

Mr. Speaker, the decentralization of government positions has provided an important catalyst for people to improve their skills and education in order to prepare for new employment possibilities. The program has already met with a good deal of success.

My department will produce a detailed student placement report once all the courses are completed, in order to assess the programs' effectiveness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Nunavut Caucus, I rise today to thank Paul Quassa for the work he has done for the Inuit of Nunavut. His resignation on Friday, as President of Nunavut Tungavik, ended a stage in Paul's life in which he played a major role in the evolution of Inuit people in Nunavut.

As a land claim negotiator for TFN and as the president of both the AFN and its successor, the organization Nunavut Tungavik, Paul worked hard for his people. His accomplishments, Mr. Speaker, should not be forgotten. On behalf of all people of Nunavut, I would like to say Qujannamiik to Paul as he goes forward into the future. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members who sat in the 11th Assembly will know I'm committed to import replacement, economic diversification and greater use of our natural resources. I'd like Members to join me this afternoon in the Members' lounge to enjoy some fresh fish brought out of Great Slave Lake this weekend. This lake is one of our great treasure houses of food, but during the winter months Yellowknifers are barely aware of it, Mr. Speaker.

As I've said previously, Mr. Buckley and his family are committed to supplying fresh or frozen fish to Yellowknife residents throughout the winter. The Buckley fish outlet has now moved to a new location at 4918 - 44 Street, near the old fire hall. I'm aware of no other business in Yellowknife committed to providing local fresh fish to the Yellowknife market throughout the year. I'm pleased to see local people responding so well to this new renewable resource business venture. I trust Members will enjoy a fresh fish chowder, pickerel, burbot and white fish, courtesy of myself and the Buckley family during this afternoon's break. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first question in this House was directed to the Honourable John Todd, regarding the utilization of country foods economically, within our government institutions. In my preamble to my questions to the Minister, I outlined the economic benefits to our residents, through the utilization of our commercial quotas. Hunters and fishermen receive valuable income for their initial harvesting. Employees receive wages if the country food is sent to processing facilities. The owners of the processing facilities receive a return on their investment. And, finally and most importantly, all income derived from this activity stays and circulates in the community.

Mr. Speaker, since I've become a Member of this Assembly and since moving into our new home, I've had the opportunity -- like all of us -- to sample the cuisine from the Assembly caterers. Although I enjoy a majority of the food, I find it extremely disappointing that we only get pork chops, chicken, lasagna, roast beef, et cetera, when we, as an Assembly, and our government, is attempting to promote our own products.

Right on.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, why couldn't there be caribou, muskox, Arctic char and white fish served instead of salmon? If we, as representatives of our people, can't recognize a problem in this, then we're in deep trouble.

I will be tabling a written question later, on the existing and past commercial quotas in the NWT, and to what extent we are utilizing these quotas.

In response to a question, the honourable Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, over a week ago, said to us that he was working with other departments to utilize commercial quotas. The Minister thought a policy was not required. Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the Minister. I believe the government must develop a policy which forces all departments to fully maximize their usage of our commercial quotas in their operation, whether it be a student hostel under Education, a correctional facility under Justice or an elders' facility or group home under Health and Social Services. If we cannot maximize our utilization of our own renewable resources to our institutions, what hope do we have of improving the lifestyle of our people who depend on subsistence harvesting and our initiatives to provide them with employment opportunities?

Mr. Speaker, I will be seeking the government's commitment in placing a priority on developing a renewable resource commercial quota policy, as soon as possible, in order to maximize the economic benefits from our existing renewable resources. I hope that my colleagues will support me in this matter. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make a statement on the report of the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, I have no real problem with the basic recommendations in the report, but I would like to tell the Members and the public about the amalgamation, integration or incorporation of our culture into the Euro-Canadian culture and not to deal with the aboriginal culture in isolation.

Mr. Speaker, the Dene and the Euro-Canadians have very different ways of dealing with the world around them. The report does not go far enough. The majority of all problems in the communities can be attributed to the feelings of alienation and assimilation of our young people into the Euro-Canadian way of life. If a person does not know where they are from or if they have a poor sense of their own cultural identity, Mr. Speaker, it is hard for them to get anywhere with their lives.

I also believe that some of the recommendations are based on hearsay, as opposed to the cold, hard facts. The report states that the older generation of Dene have little impact on the Euro-Canadians and that those members of our community over 75 years of age live a very traditional life. If this is the case, Mr. Speaker, why do many of the seniors drink heavily? I think the reasons many of our seniors drink is because we have taken away their traditional place in Dene culture as the teachers and have replaced them with Euro-Canadian institutions to teach our children.

Mr. Speaker, aboriginal people must live, with the effect of the attempts of Euro-Canadians to assimilate us, to turn us, as a people, into carbon copies of the white ideals.

Mr. Speaker, the final report does not address the root of the problems. Until we have all recovered pride as a people, we will not be able to stand tall, to have a sense of self-worth that translates into action. The report needs to take a holistic approach to the problems we have in the territories, and it fails to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I have been requested to not take too much of the Assembly's time on this issue. Therefore, this will be the last comments I make on the Special Committee on Health and Social Services report in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Use the people up there.

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

Hear, hear.

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last session, during the month of March, I posed many questions to the Minister of Justice, regarding the River Ridge facility in Fort Smith, better know as the young offenders'

secure facility. Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister designated this facility as a triple designated facility. What was once known to staff as a secure facility, is now a facility for open custody of young offenders. In addition, it is a facility to hold remanded young offenders.

Mr. Speaker, last spring I was extremely concerned regarding the Minister's decision to designate such a facility as a triple designated facility. I was concerned because under the federal legislation, the Canada Corrections Act, looks after young offenders who commit serious crimes, such as murders. I was concerned because the Young Offenders' Act, under territorial legislation, looks after crimes such as break and enters, liquor offences and minor crimes. So one facility was deemed to be responsible to look after different types of young offenders who commit different types of crimes.

Mr. Speaker, on April 1, I compromised with the Minister's decision, even though I didn't agree with that. He knew triple designation of a facility was not intended, in any way, shape or form, to look after open custody. The only way I allowed myself to compromise is because the Minister made a commitment to provide a report to this House on the facility, which I quote from, April 1, "I will be very pleased to provide a written report in October to show the Members that things are going very well, and will continue to go very well as planned." To date, I have been waiting very patiently for this report the Minister promised to provide. In fact, I even mentioned it in private a few times to the Minister -- I am still waiting for his report.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue with my statement.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you. As I stated, I have asked in private a few times for this report and I did indicate to the Minister that I had been waiting for his report. Although, Mr. Speaker, I am convinced I am right in stating in this House that the Minister made the wrong decision to triple designate, I can wait no longer for this report and I want to tell the Members why.

First of all, last summer one of my constituents was held hostage at gunpoint by two young offenders who had escaped from the River Ridge facility. It was demanded of my constituent, at the time, to take these young offenders to Hay River, which they did. I recognize the courts addressed this matter and these young offenders received a lengthy sentence. However, again, my constituent's concern is an issue here.

Mr. Speaker, now I hear last night quite a few young offenders escaped. But before they did escape, I hear they attempted to beat up the young officers. I don't know whether or not they were successful, but I do know they did take one of the vehicles of a worker and totalled the vehicle. Mr. Speaker, this is a very dangerous situation to place our youth workers in and it is due to keeping such a facility as an open custody facility, which was initially intended as a secure custody facility, these types of incidents are happening.

Mr. Speaker, it is my concern as Member for Thebacha to wonder what would it take for this ill-advised decision to be reversed? Do one of my constituents have to be killed before this government will consider and realize the mistake they made? I hope not. Mr. Speaker, since there is time to correct such an ill-advised decision, I urge this government to recognize what serious impact this mistake could have on my constituency and to correct this matter and avoid tragedy in the future. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on November 25, regarding federal priorities for the transportation infrastructure.

As of September, 1992, three months before the former Minister of Finance had announced the federal government's new infrastructure initiative, Transport Canada's capital plan for 1993-94 included $3.7 million for a maintenance garage and $1.8 million for a pavement overlay at the Fort Simpson airport.

In March of 1993, these same two projects at the Fort Simpson airport, along with several others, appeared as part of Transport Canada's proposal for Mr. Mazankowski's infrastructure program. In discussion with my federal counterparts, I was able to convince them that these projects did not really qualify as new initiatives, nor did they meet the priorities of the territorial government.

My officials at the Department of Transportation have found that the maintenance garage and pavement overlay at the Fort Simpson airport were deferred for a year. A month ago, October 1993, the same two projects appear again in Transport Canada's capital plan. They are now scheduled for 1994-95.

Other than to say that the rescheduling and deferral of projects is a routine budget management decision federal and territorial departments must make from time to time, I am not privy to the internal decisions of Transport Canada and I do not know why the Fort Simpson projects were deferred for one year. Thank you.

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to a question asked by Mr. Allooloo on November 23, 1993, percentage allotted to northern firms under the business incentive policy.

While I was in Ottawa meeting with the federal Minister of Housing, Mr. Allooloo asked a question regarding the application of the business incentive policy on a Housing Corporation contract in Pond Inlet.

For clarification, under the business incentive policy, a 15 per cent adjustment to the bid is given to the specified northern content of the bid and 20 per cent adjustment to the bid is given to the specified local content of the bid. No bid adjustment is given to any southern content.

With reference to the specific situation mentioned by Mr. Allooloo in Pond Inlet regarding the electrical contract:

-the contract was to provide labour to complete electrical wiring for three houses;

-the local company proposed to employ an individual from Montreal. Also, the required information on the local or northern content was not provided in the bid. Therefore, no adjustment was made to the bid;

-the company from outside the community is a business incentive policy-registered northern firm operating out of Resolute Bay. The northern company's bid proposed to employ two northerners, a northern electrician and a northern apprentice. Based on the stated northern content, the Resolute Bay company was given a 15 per cent adjustment on the bid and became the low bidder on the contract.

-Subsequent to the contract award, the Resolute Bay company informed the Housing Corporation that the original northern electrician was unable to undertake the work and that a replacement northern electrician would take his place. The corporation agreed to this.

-During the week of November 15, 1993, the Housing Corporation received information that the Resolute Bay company hired an electrician from Newfoundland to do the work.

The investigation which followed confirmed these allegations. Apparently, the northern electrician who was to replace the original northern electrician was also unable to work on the project due to other commitments. The owner of the Resolute Bay company admitted that he has seriously erred in replacing the northern electrician with a southern import without first informing the Housing Corporation.

The Housing Corporation is currently considering the actions it can take against the Resolute Bay company. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madam Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on November 19, 1993, regarding a list of early retirees; deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers.

Mr. Speaker, 11 deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers were given special arrangements or early retirement over the past five years. Although I have a legal obligation to hold the content of these special arrangements in confidence, I can, however, inform the House that the average cost was $76,808 and the range was from $17,000 to $186,247. Thank you.

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the honourable Minister responsible for Social Services. About a year ago I asked the Minister -- probably the Minister prior to the Minister we have now -- about a senior citizens' home for Gjoa Haven. The response, according to my understanding, was that it was in the capital works.

Mr. Speaker, we owe our lives and education to our senior citizens. It is my understanding that the Kitikmeot region is the only region that doesn't have a senior citizens' facility. Is the honourable Minister committed to providing a senior citizens' home for Gjoa Haven that could be utilized by both Taloyoak and Pelly Bay for the time being? Thank you.

Minister Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member for Natilikmiot is well aware that the funding arrangements we had with the federal government were cut. The federal government was providing 75 per cent, and our government was providing 25 per cent for senior citizens' homes. Since the cutback we have been having problems identifying the other 75 per cent that the federal government no longer provides.

Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I have, on occasion, talked to the Minister about the facility. One thing that I'm not up-to-date on is whether, in fact, the senior citizens' home in Gjoa Haven will be reinstated in the next fiscal year. Thank you.

We are waiting for your question, Mr. Ningark. I know it is coming. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to the honourable Minister is will the senior citizens' home in Gjoa Haven be reinstated in the next fiscal year?

Minister Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, the senior citizens' home is in the five year capital plan. According to how successful we are in reinstating the level of funding that was provided by the federal government, as far as I know it will be in the five year capital plan. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to pose my question to the Minister of Justice, following up on my Member's statement today. On April 1 -- and it wasn't an April Fool's joke -- I had asked the Minister of Justice if he would commit to provide me with a written status report on the success or the lack of success of the change in the River Ridge facility by October.

At the time the Minister said he would. I would like to ask the Minister of Justice whether he feels changing the River Ridge facility, from a secure facility to a triple designated facility with open custody, has been one of the department's successes? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Taking into account that the Minister has indicated that he'll be tabling his report today of what, in his view, was a proper decision, and taking into account the two incidents that I have expressed concern about in this House, how can the Minister indicate that his decision has been the right decision when my constituents are held in life-threatening situations? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It certainly should be less, we have a lot smaller population compared to many other jurisdictions. I find the answer to be frivolous, at best. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister -- and I would like to go back to my initial question I asked -- how can he indicate to this House that the facility being designated to a triple designation is a correct decision while recognizing these couple of incidents? I know of two other incidents, not pertaining to River Ridge, but to the Hay River facility, that place my constituents' lives in jeopardy. Thank you.

Minister Kakfwi.

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister indicated that sometimes there's no way we can wipe out these types of incidents. I'm coming from the viewpoint that I recognize that no facility can wipe out incidents such as the type that I've mentioned in this House however, there are methods that can be used in attempting to avoid these types of incidents. That's the point I'm trying to bring to the Minister.

Mr. Speaker, I know he has deemed one particular facility to look after three types of young offenders and he's now saying that his report will back this up. But I'm telling him of actual incidents that will not justify his decision. I'd like to ask the Minister, why didn't he provide that report in October, as he stated in this House on April 1, and only now on November 29, does he plan to table it? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. Last week, Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, I was listening to the National News. There was a report done with regard to tainted blood between 1975 and 1980. The report stated it doesn't take much to be infected with HIV. I'd like to ask the Minister whether there is a public awareness being done with regard to people during that period of time going to Edmonton for emergency surgery, or other surgery who received blood and whether those people are informed. They should be tested to ensure they are not infected by that tainted blood.

Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recently Health Ministers across Canada made a commitment to have a program in place to help those people who have been infected or had relatives who had been infected. Right now the Canadian Blood Agency is the agency that will be administering that program.

We are aware of people in the Northwest Territories who have contracted the HIV virus by either blood products or by transfusion. Dr. Kinloch was in Ottawa last week and I'm awaiting his report from the Canadian Blood Agency. Some provinces have 1-800 numbers, others have advertising campaigns. We've collated all those methods of getting the message out and we'll be making a decision next week as to the tact that the Northwest Territories should take in getting the message out.

I would point out it is our policy that if there is somebody in the Northwest Territories who feels that by some means or another they have had a chance to have a brush with the HIV virus, they merely have to go to the health centre, to the hospital or to their doctor and we will arrange for them to get tested, Mr. Speaker. There are some people who may have gone to a hospital in southern Canada where they may have had a blood transfusion or blood products, and sometimes they might not have known that has happened. That's the message we have to get out to those people is that if you feel you are in that category, if it's within that particular time frame, then please arrange with us to get tested. As I said, Mr. Speaker, we will have that advertising campaign available next week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Renewable Resources. Over the years there have been a lot of questions in this Assembly and a lot of concerns raised by people in the Northwest Territories about the status of the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act. With the settlement of land claims, it is now time that the government has to take some action to revise the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act. What is this government doing to revise the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act?

Minister Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. That only covers one group of people. However, there are other land claims that have been settled, TFN claim, the Gwich'in claim and the Sahtu Dene/Metis claim is awaiting federal approval. So, what's happening with these other claimant groups and the revisions to the Wildlife Act that pertain to their claims and other people, the Metis people, the South Slave and Deh Cho?

Minister Kakfwi.

I'd like to remind Ministers that if a question is taken as notice, it's not necessary to give a long speech as to why. It should be short and concise. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, from November 22 until November 25, there was a major conference held in the city called, Keeping the Circle Strong. There were several major themes discussed at this conference. One was solvent abuse, the second one was fetal alcohol syndrome, the third was suicide and addictions. I'd like to ask the Minister responsible for Social Services, could she indicate the degree to which the government was involved in supporting and funding this conference?

Minister Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department provided $40,000 for travel assistance through Northern Addiction Services. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Thanks, Mr. Speaker. I noted in the program, Mr. Speaker, that this conference was not to deal with difficulties and problems, it was going to discuss solutions and things that would work, and are prone to work. The theme was where do we go from here? What solutions emerged from this conference, with regard to the main theme of the conference since the government was a major player and this was sponsored by the Northern Addiction Services? What came out of the conference that would indicate where we go from here to solve these three major problems.

Minister Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the topics of fetal alcohol syndrome, suicide and solvent abuse, discussions took place at the Keeping the Circle Strong conference. The discussions and recommendations that might arise from that conference will be integrated into the Social Services strategic plan for alcohol and drug programs. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Lewis.

Since most of the people there were on the staff of the Department of Social Services, or at least an agency related to Social Services, could the Minister indicate what kind of recommendations came out of that conference, with regard to the solutions to these three major problems? What were they?

Minister Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The majority of participants of that conference are employees of agencies at the local level, working as alcohol and drug workers, but not employees of the department. I will have to take his question as notice because I have not had the chance to discuss the recommendations. It usually takes a few months for the information to be gathered and weeded out within the department. Thank you.

Again I'll remind Ministers, if the question is taken as notice, just take it as notice. There isn't need for a lengthy explanation. The question has been taken as notice. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question to the Minister of Education. Last year, the community of Arctic Bay requested that their grade level be extended. They were refused by the Minister because they were too late with their request. Now they have another petition to acquire grade 11 in their community. Does the Minister have the request by the community of Arctic Bay? Thank you.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I'm just trying to understand what the question was. The request has come in, however, and I did indicate to the community that, while the request is made to me, there is still a need for the community to work with the divisional board of education so there are plans, when the organizational work is done through the divisional board. And, they can ensure that the appropriate accommodation for students and the staffing are addressed in their divisional board planning as well.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education. In his Minister's statement, on page two...First of all, I would like to say that I commend the Minister for initiating a decentralization program. I'm not criticizing that at all. All I'm saying is, I've had this experience myself, a few years back, when I applied for a position as an adult educator and I was not offered that because I did not have a certificate. The advertisement stated, if the person is not certified he cannot be given a job training program. I was not allowed to take the on-the-job training program because the government said I was qualified. So, both ways I could not get in.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, are these people who are taking this decentralization training given a certificate upon completion?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that is happening. Most of the individuals involved in this job training initiative will be certified for their studies.

Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Still on page two, the Minister indicated that the trainees from Rankin Inlet are due to finish in December, however in Fort Simpson, trainees will not be completed until 1995. On the last page, it says that the Minister will be giving a detailed placement report once all the courses are completed. Is he saying that we will not be able to hear about placement of Rankin Inlet students until 1995?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that a question requesting information is always in order in the House. I'm not saying, at this particular time, if they ask for information, they won't be provided that information.

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to be absolutely clear that we want to participate in encouraging decentralization trainees to do well, et cetera. Is the Minister saying that no matter what kind of questions we ask -- if we ask for any kind of interim report on how well they are doing, and if they are being placed and things like that -- we will not be answered?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say to the honourable Member that there is nothing in the report that suggests that no interim reports would be made available. In fact, if anything, I would be most pleased to make a statement in the House articulating quite clearly the successes we've had with decentralization training.

What is indicated on page three is the detail placement report. In other words, the overall result of the training and the placement of all people who have been part of the decentralization training. That is what is suggested there. On the interim report, I would be only too pleased, along with my colleagues, to make Members aware of the success we've had with the placement of those individual training programs for each particular community, once those are concluded and once placements have taken place.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member's statement, I have already pointed out my concerns regarding what I see as the lack of initiative on the part of the government to ensure that our renewable resource commercial quotas are maximized. My question is to the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. I would like to know if he still feels that a policy isn't required to ensure that we maximize our commercial quotas in our NWT institutions?

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't know whether it is just a coincidence or mental telepathy, but earlier this morning I had a meeting with some fisherman from Hay River who were expressing the same concern that was expressed by our colleague from the Kitikmeot.

I believe earlier last year when I was an ordinary Member, I had written on the same issue. Perhaps, if it still is a problem, as it appears to be, it is time for a territorial-wide policy to ensure that the government -- and particularly government institutions -- are utilizing all the products. After my discussions with the Hay River people, I have asked the department to take a look at whether it is part of the menu planning for Stanton Yellowknife Hospital, the YCC, the education facilities, et cetera, and, if it isn't, why isn't it.

So, perhaps, now is an opportune time to look at a territorial-wide policy and I want to assure the Member that it was a priority for me in February of last year and it is certainly a priority for me today. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

I just wanted to clarify this, you are committing to developing a policy on behalf of the government? Is that correct?

Mr. Todd.