Thank you, honourable Members. In March of 1993, the federal government announced a ten per cent cut to the languages programs. I introduced a motion in this Assembly severely criticizing the federal government for this action, and strongly supporting the use and enhancement of aboriginal languages in the Northwest Territories and in doing government business.

The point of my statement, Mr. Speaker, is that this government has not been upholding its end of the bargain. This government has not been spending the funds which have been allocated for aboriginal languages and French. I find this very unacceptable. For example, the report indicates that in the 1991-92 fiscal year, the eighth year of this agreement, this government lapsed $777,795 for aboriginal languages, and $1,159,641 for French. The estimated lapses for 1992-93 are approximately $400,000 for aboriginal languages, and $1 million for French. This is absurd, Mr. Speaker, given that there are many groups in the Northwest Territories that are looking for funds to enhance or carry out their programs, and were probably told there is no more money available. It's not only one department, it seems like all departments are at fault.

Mr. Speaker, I'm not very pleased in finding out information and statistics like this so far after the fact, especially since most Members, including the Premier and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, made strong statements of support on these programs and of the actions and cuts proposed by the federal government when the motion I made was passed unanimously on March 4, 1993.

Mr. Speaker, I would expect some immediate measures be taken by this government to rectify the situation and ensure that funds which are available for language projects in the north are utilized properly. Mahsi.

---Applause