Good afternoon. Before we proceed with orders of the day, I would like to take this opportunity to clearly state the chair's intention with regard to the point of order raised by Mrs. Marie-Jewell and the point of order raised by Mr. Morin on Monday, February 22, 1993.

The chair had hoped to have a ruling available yesterday, by the end of the day, or at the start of the session today at the very latest. However, the honourable Member's statement on behalf of herself, as chairperson and spokesperson of the Ordinary Members' Caucus, has given the chair cause for concern.

As I indicated to the House yesterday after the Member's statement, the chair must be allowed to take the necessary time to deliberate on a decision so as to be in a position to make a well thought out ruling. Rulings are important as they become precedent for proceedings in the House. In reviewing the unedited Hansard, her words indicated that the Member for Thebacha was speaking on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus. I do not believe the Members of the Ordinary Members' Caucus see themselves as a lobby group to influence the Speaker's decision.

I would like to advise all Members that the Speaker's responsibility in ruling on a point of order is to base his decision on the legitimate facts presented in the House and recorded in Hansard. He cannot be influenced by events or comments which are made outside of this House. The Speaker is a servant of the House with authority given to him by the House. The impartiality of the Speaker is paramount without which the chair cannot carry on its responsibilities. The importance of the Speaker being the final arbitrator of points of privilege and order is a foundation of the parliamentary procedure.

I would like to offer citation 168, as contained in Beauchesne's 6th edition, "Reflections upon the character or actions of the Speaker may be punished as breaches of privilege. The actions of the Speaker cannot be criticized incidently in debate or upon any form of proceeding except by way of a substantive motion." This is not referring to me, Michael Ballantyne, this is referring to the office of the Speaker, your Speaker.

In regard to the comments made by Mrs. Marie-Jewell, I have taken the matter under consideration and will provide my ruling in due course. The matter, as far as the House is concerned, is under advisement and no further attempts should be made to try to influence the timing of the decision. As I said, I was upset after yesterday. I have had some time to reflect on what happened yesterday. I have been able to sit down with Mrs. Marie-Jewell. She has provided me with a letter of apology for her statement yesterday. I accept that letter and I accept the spirit in which that letter was given. I hope that all of us can learn a lesson that consensus government, at times, is difficult. The institution, the rules and the procedures are sometimes difficult. Ultimately, as I have said many times before, it will only succeed if the Members show courtesy and respect to each other and for the institution.

I will attempt to make my ruling on Mr. Morin's and Mrs. Marie-Jewell's points of order tomorrow. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this statement is to keep Members up-to-date on the government's progress with the long-term staff housing strategy. So far, 150 employees across the Northwest Territories have expressed an interest in purchasing the government-owned units they occupy.

Fifty-seven tenants in the Baffin region have expressed an interest in purchasing their units, as well as another 57 tenants in the Keewatin region. In addition, nine tenants in Fort Simpson have expressed interest, along with 27 tenants in Inuvik.

Excuse me, Mr. Morin, there is a buzzing sound. Can we promptly deal with that? Please proceed, Mr. Morin. Perhaps you should start over.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this statement is to keep Members up-to-date on the government's progress with the long-term staff housing strategy. So far, 150 employees across the Northwest Territories have expressed an interest in purchasing the government-owned units they occupy.

The contracts with appraisers will be completed by March 15, 1993. The appraisal project will be completed by April 30, 1993. At that point, detailed information on the cost of sale will be in the hands of all interested tenants. We want employees to have the opportunity to complete their purchases prior to July 1, 1993, when the new rent scale takes effect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT transportation strategy was tabled in this House in October of 1990, by the Honourable Gordon Wray. This strategy was presented as the first ever, comprehensive, long-term transportation plan for the north. Covering areas of federal as well as territorial responsibility, it was designed to respond to the needs and aspirations of the people of the Northwest Territories, into the 21 century.

Mr. Speaker, this is a fine piece of work. As Minister of Transportation, I want to go on the record as stating that I fully support the goals, principles and objectives of this strategy. I fully intend to build on the foundation laid by my predecessors.

I will begin by updating this transportation strategy. I believe it is timely to do so for a number of reasons. First, I believe it simply needs to be made current. A surprising number of the short-term priorities in the strategy have already been accomplished, particularly in the area of airport, highway and marine facility improvements. This will allow other priorities to be brought forward. Further analysis, new ideas and better cost estimates should be incorporated. The strategy must also recognize changing conditions and the fiscal realities on both the federal and territorial governments.

Secondly, I believe it is time to consult with our constituents to ensure that the strategy accurately reflects their needs and priorities. I know that the 1990 strategy has stimulated much thought and provoked many new ideas. I want to ensure that these ideas are captured and considered in our update.

Finally, I want our efforts to focus on clearly achievable short and medium term objectives. Some of the proposals in the strategy have been called too ambitious, perhaps unrealistic. We are tempted, after less than three years, to be disappointed with progress. Let us remember, however, that this strategy was intended to be visionary. It looked well into the future, 20 years and beyond. To some extent, I think it was too far-reaching for the federal government to accept.

I do not intend to rewrite the transportation strategy, nor do I intend a lengthy or costly process. I intend to clearly identify our realistic short and medium term objectives. We will do this in full consultation with northerners. The result will form the basis for negotiations with Ottawa.

I will be looking for the support and assistance of all Members to ensure that this transportation strategy update reflects the needs and aspirations of all northerners in all regions. I intend to keep transportation high on the northern agenda. I intend to get in on the federal agenda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government recently announced a ten per cent reduction in grants and contributions programs.

Unfortunately the federal government has informed us that they intend to apply their reduction to the Canada-Northwest Territories agreement for French and aboriginal languages. This means we could lose about $1 million next year in contributions to language services and programs in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the procedure used to advise the government of the cuts demonstrates a disregard for both the terms and spirit of the agreement. Our officials were advised of the reductions when they arrived in Ottawa to review the proposed spending plan for 1993-94. More importantly, the time jeopardizes the timely approval of our 1993-94 budget prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. This will mean a delay in initiating approved projects.

Mr. Speaker, I have communicated our dissatisfaction about this arbitrary reduction to Secretary of State, Monique Landry. We have asked for the matter to be reviewed immediately.

While our government supports the need for fiscal restraint, cuts applied to already underfunded initiatives raise concerns about the will of the current federal government with regard to aboriginal people and its support for the international year of indigenous people. I will keep Members of this Assembly up-to-date on any developments on this matter. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was asked about the impact of the staff housing strategy on the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

When tenants of staff housing begin to pay for their own electricity on July 1, they will be paying the lower domestic rate rather than the government rate presently being charged.

The change in rate class will affect the Power Corporation in two ways:

- revenue collected from user-pay tenants will be reduced by about $1.2 million dollars on an annual basis. Because of the three-month delay in implementation, the impact for 1993-94 will be less than $1 million; and,

- tenants will qualify for the territorial power support program, which is funded by dividends paid by the corporation. Power support program costs are expected to increase by about a $1.1 million on an annual basis. Because of the three-month delay, the increase will be about $1 million.

Mr. Speaker, the annual reduction in revenue is a very small portion of the corporation's total revenue from electricity sales, which is expected to be $96.9 million for 1993-94 - even with user-pay in effect.

During the past year, oil prices have stabilized, inflation has declined and the corporation has significantly reduced its operating costs. As a result, any increase associated with user-pay will be largely off-set by these cost reductions.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to predict how long oil prices will remain stable. However, I can assure you that any increases in rates by the Power Corporation - for whatever reason - are subject to approval by the Public Utilities Board.

Mr. Speaker, during our deliberation on the new staff housing strategy, calculations across all departments were made on the impact. Rather than have individual Ministers attempt to put forward individual submissions, I have asked the Minister of Finance to provide to the Members a comprehensive paper on all impacts and figures that we have available. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is budget time again. This year we are faced with an unprecedented financial situation. All northerners are concerned about the deficit, Mr. Speaker. Measures such as the payroll tax, the new staff housing policy, even if they cannot be refined and made workable, will not address the entire problem. Northerners also face the unequal distribution of government money to all the territories. Excesses exist in some regions, as some are being paid with funds that should have been allocated to others. Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is going to have to take a serious look at how to bring about better use of the dollar. Sooner or later, we are going to have to face difficult decisions about spending cuts.

I have often wondered what Members from the Baffin and Keewatin must think when they see $700,000 going to pay for a service each year that is not all that effective and is not a priority for the people in my region. Think of what could be done in those off-road communities with that $2 million, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that I do not have to remind the current Minister that, on March 6, 1992,...

Mr. Gargan, your allotted time has elapsed.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to continue my statement.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that I do not have to remind the current Minister that, on March 6, 1992, this House passed a motion recommending that the Department of Transportation re-examine all its policies for a cost benefit basis in light of the fundamental needs of residents of the Northwest Territories. I want him to know that we are not getting value for money with the highway patrol. It does not address our fundamental needs. As a Legislature, we are going to have to decide whether we want to be in debt or move ahead. If it is the latter, we will have to make cuts to programs and services that are presently beyond our financial means. I propose, by downsizing highway patrol operations, we will eliminate current duplications of services and achieve a more even distribution of dollars to all the regions of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to acknowledge the Prime Minister's announcement of his decision to step down today. I know that Mr. Mulroney is not the most loved person in Canada or even in this Legislature. I know that my comments may be coloured by my personal party affiliations, but I think he deserves some tribute on the day he announces his retirement. I was privileged to know Mr. Mulroney personally. I have always found him to be a very engaging person. It is a shame more Canadians did not have the opportunity to meet him one on one. I was always impressed that he never forgot the name of my youngest child, who he met on his visit to Iqaluit. He always asked me about my son Alexander, even when I was meeting with him on important state matters. Those kinds of things are significant and perhaps mark the man's humanity and personal attributes.

Also, Mr. Speaker, while I was privileged to serve this House for four years as the Government Leader, I did feel that I received respect, courtesy and friendship from the Prime Minister even as we dealt with very difficult issues, primarily those relating to the Constitution. I know that there are many serious outstanding issues now extant between our government and the federal government today: the formula financing, the health billings dispute, aboriginal language funding cuts, et cetera.

However, today I would like to mention some of the achievements of this Prime Minister. There was a major shift towards devolution of powers to allow northern people to take greater control over their lives in areas such as fighting forest fires, health services, the Power Corporation and commitment to negotiate the northern energy accord. I think all of these represent progress towards acquisition of province-like powers and self-government.

Mr. Patterson, your allotted time has elapsed.

I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue.

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

Also, Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the setback with the rejection of the Dene/Metis comprehensive claim, I think there was major priority placed on trying to settle claims in the Dene/Metis regions and we have managed to see progress with the settlement of the Gwich'in claim, the agreement in principle on the Sahtu claim and the commencement of negotiations amongst the Dogrib. Of course, Mr. Speaker, we must note the achievement of final agreement on the Inuit land claim and the very significant historic commitment of the federal government to Nunavut through the signing of the Nunavut political accord.

I would also like to note, Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the failure of ratification of both the revised Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords, the Prime Minister did ultimately support the entrenchment of the right to aboriginal self-government and enhancing the status of the Government of the Northwest Territories at first Ministers' conferences on the economy and at constitutional talks. I was very pleased that a precedent was set with our Premier having been accorded full and equal status at the first Ministers' conferences she has attended during her term.

These steps do represent attention being paid to the north, with progress and recognition for northern people and their duly elected government under Mr. Mulroney's leadership. I believe that should be graciously acknowledged in this House on the day in which his retirement was announced. Thank you.

---Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier's statements today in raising the issues about the official languages agreement. I rise today to express my disappointment with the federal government by making these announced cuts in grants and contributions programs. I also rise today to express my support for the intent and the contents that were negotiated in establishing the languages agreement, even though I was not a Member of this Assembly at the time the agreement was developed and signed. I was in the back room supporting the initiatives undertaken by the Members of this House at that time.

I am also opposed to any reductions in the languages agreement. I would like to indicate my support for the Government Leader, her Cabinet and this government to try their best to protect the valuable resources we have and the need to continue this agreement to protect and enhance language development in the Northwest Territories, especially the development and training of the professionals required to provide and deliver these necessary services.

I encourage all Members of this Assembly to express their displeasure at these cuts. Mahsi.

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Nunatsiaq News of January 22, 1993, published an article on Peter Salomonie and his family living in a makeshift wooden shack for the last seven years. When we are able to forgive loans to businesses in the NWT, we should at least be able to provide decent housing to tenants in the NWT, even when they are in arrears. During question period, I will be asking the question to the appropriate Minister. Thank you.

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Tony Whitford on February 23 regarding the causes of the power outage.

On Sunday, January 31, 1993, power supply to Giant Mine was interrupted at 12:04 pm. Relaying indicated a phase to ground fault. Line patrolling disclosed no reason to believe vandalism or third-party interference. The RCMP was not called and service was restored in approximately one hour. No other customers were affected, except Nerco which lost some process machinery.

The status of the RCMP investigation into the suspected third-party interference in the early months of the Giant strike is continuing. Charges have not been laid and the intentions of the police are now known to Power Corporation officials.

Mr. Speaker, I have a long-overdue return to oral question asked by Mr. Ningark on December 1.

On December 1, Mr. Ningark asked whether the Power Corporation has a specific model for research in developmental planning. This question related to plans for sale of the corporation's eastern operation, or portions of the eastern operation to beneficiaries under the TFN land claim.

I would advise this Assembly that the Power Corporation has not developed such a model and that sale of the corporation's eastern operation is inconsistent with the government's strategy for the corporation. Since the time of purchase, it has been the intention of this government to groom the corporation for sale to private sector investors. The financial potential of this objective will not be realized by piecemeal sale of the corporation. While devolution of governmental responsibility was addressed within the TFN claim, the future role of the Power Corporation was not addressed within the claim frame work. As such, beneficiaries under the TFN claim will have an opportunity for investment in the corporation when privatization occurs. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Gargan, MLA for Deh Cho, on December 2, with respect to the cost of the Coast Guard rescue.

On December 2, 1992, the Member for Deh Cho asked the Minister of Transportation if the department intended to recover the costs it incurred on October 23, 1992, when the MV Merv Hardie went to the rescue of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Ekaloo which had suffered the misfortune of running aground on a sandbar on the Mackenzie River.

The costs of the Department of Transportation in this incident were small and the attempt to recover its costs would do much to damage the positive and cooperative relationship the department enjoys with the Coast Guard.

Mariners have a long-standing professional code which requires the master of every ship, on receiving a message of distress from another ship, to proceed with all speed to offer its every assistance. The captain and crew of the MV Merv Hardie did exactly as expected of them when they received the Ekaloo's message that it had run aground. The crews of the department's ships would depend on the same unhesitant response from any nearby ship to their signal of distress.

The MV Merv Hardie was away from the Fort Providence ferry crossing for approximately seven and a half hours at a cost, over and above its usual running costs, of approximately $50 for fuel. The ferry's operating costs are about $200 per hour. The total cost of the rescue operation came to less than $2,000.

We should not forget that the Cost Guard spent several hundred thousand dollars last hear helping this government to evaluate the possibility of access from the sea to Pelly Bay, an expenditure that will save the GNWT substantial amounts in the annual cost of resupply to the community.

Had the rescue been expensive, the department might have good reason to consider recovery. In this event, it was not. There is little to be gained in seeking compensation from the Coast Guard.

I have another return, Mr. Speaker.

Continue, Mr. Todd.

The Department of Health contracts with the X-ray section, research and standards division of the Health protection branch of Health and Welfare Canada for the performance of inspections of X-ray equipment at NWT health facilities. Copies of inspection reports received by the Department of Safety and Public Services from the Department of Health indicate there are no health hazards posed by the X-ray equipment in the Inuvik hospital. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Whitford and Mr. Koe on the replacement of X-ray in the Inuvik hospital.

The safety of patients and staff of the Inuvik Regional Hospital is of the utmost importance. I can assure you that all three X-ray units at the Inuvik Regional Hospital are fully operational and used in accordance with prescribed procedures.

No X-ray unit at the Inuvik Regional Hospital pose a threat to the safety of patients or staff. All three units have been inspected by the radiation protection branch which has imposed an August, 1993, deadline for replacement of the unit in question. The radiation protection branch expects it to be replaced in the fiscal year 1993-94 as planned by the Department of Health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 4, returns to oral question. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Member's statement to give, so I seek unanimous consent to give my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to return to item 3, Members' statements. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to say some more things about the cruise missile testing today. Mr. Speaker, I was absolutely appalled with the information we received yesterday. The Government of Canada and the Government of the United States have signed an agreement which will allow cruise missiles to be tested over the Mackenzie Valley for the next ten years.

Yesterday, when I asked the Government Leader whether the Government of the Northwest Territories had been asked for input, she stated that we were not consulted. I find it completely unacceptable that the federal government did not even discuss the matter with the Government of the Northwest Territories or the leaders in the Mackenzie Valley. It is a shameful way for them to conduct intergovernmental relations. I was also annoyed that the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Kim Campbell, has not yet agreed to meet our Premier to discuss this. I am not willing to accept this conduct on the part of the federal government, Mr. Speaker. Their attitude is 20 years out of date. I have written the Minister of National Defence this morning to express my concern, for the people in my constituency, and to encourage her to meet immediately with our Premier on the matter. I will table the letter tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, these war machines, the ones which test over Dene land, have been created to destroy and to kill. Again, I say it is offensive for the federal government to use the northern skies to prepare these missiles for use without even asking us. Mr. Speaker, we are going to have to make sure the federal government understands that we have a voice. I think that the time is here for the Premier to insist on meeting the Minister of National Defence and we should not accept "no" for an answer. I am not willing to tolerate the disrespect and lack of consideration which the federal government has demonstrated to this Assembly, to the people of Nahendeh, and to all northerners on this issue. Mahsi Cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am rising today to announce that I am proud of our young people. Many young people today are getting into recreation, and I would like to congratulate them. There are recreational facilities in the communities which can be used by our young people. Just recently the young people of Resolute Bay went out to a sports tournament and they won the gold medal. I would like to congratulate the young people of Resolute Bay. I am very proud that they were able to receive the gold medal. Thank you.

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Housing. Mr. Speaker, Peter Salomonie is 52 years old and has been living with his family in a make shift wooden shack for the last seven years. A man and his family living in a wooden home in the dead of winter may not be an issue in this House, however, it is an issue to me, Mr. Speaker. What is the Minister of Housing doing to address the needs of the family in Iqaluit? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for bringing this to my attention. I visited Iqaluit in the fall of 1991 and I met with the families on the beach. The Minister responsible for Social Services at the time, the Honourable Tony Whitford, had addressed two of the families. There were three living on the beach. They were given private accommodation within the community. Social Services paid the bill. It is true that they did not qualify for public housing. If a person is too far in arrears and has not paid their bill, under the housing policy, they do not qualify for public housing. This also disqualifies them for the old HAP program. These are the types of people who would fall through the cracks of the Housing Corporation's old programs.

Since we have restructured the programs, they now qualify for a special project. There are special projects being allocated to Iqaluit. Mr. and Mrs. Salomonie are given high priority for a special project. I have been working with the Member for Iqaluit, as has the mayor, on this matter. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When will this family be able to enjoy decent housing? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As soon as the Member and the mayor make land available for a special project then, hopefully, they will be allocated a unit. If they are allocated a unit this year, it will be built by the fall. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was a letter sent to Meeka Kilabuk, the executive director of the Baffin regional council on January 26, 1993, regarding the Baffin regional council's deficit. The Government Leader indicated there would be an auditor in Iqaluit to perform an audit of the Baffin regional council's budget. I would like to know how this went?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I will take the question as notice. Thank you.

The question has been taken as notice. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. Yesterday during question period I asked the Minister some questions regarding the Northwest Territories tourism training group. In one of the Minister's responses, and I will quote from the unedited Hansard, "We are sympathetic to the industry because of their loss of revenues but are unable to do anything because of our own financial situation." The Minister also mentioned the figure of $1 million for training. It would be nice if we could get and provide $1 million but the tourism training group, as far as I know, only requested $75,000 to enable them to continue to administer the delivery of tourism training programs throughout the Northwest Territories. What funds are being provided to the Northwest Territories training tourism group to enable them to continue their administrative functions?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Speaker, I was incorrect yesterday when I mentioned the figure of $1 million. When I checked into it, in fact, the industry is short some $175,000, which is a considerable relief to me, Mr. Speaker. To address the shortfall of the $175,000, a meeting will take place early next week between interested departments, chaired by Economic Development and Tourism, and we are going to see if we can come up with those dollars, $80,000 the first year and $90,000 the second year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

I am glad to hear that. Is the Minister committing his deputy minister to chair this meeting? Who will be chairing the meeting next week?

Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Speaker, the chairman will be the deputy minister of Economic Development and Tourism. He has invited the other departments to sit down with him to discuss the issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Transportation regarding the return to oral question asked by me on trying to obtain recoveries from the Coast Guard with regard to the Merv Hardie. I have no problem with the kind of working relationship which the Coast Guard has with any kind of marine vessels in Canada. My problem is whether these vessels are insured, whether the Merv Hardie or the Coast Guard Ekaloo are insured to make recovery costs, when they run into these extraordinary operations, out of their normal operating costs.

Mr. Todd.

It is my understanding that tradition says, if there is an emergency, the closest ship in the immediate vicinity responds. With respect to the recovery of costs, I am not aware of any insurance policy that would reflect that. However, I will inquire with the department and get back to the honourable Member.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have tried, through the Housing Corporation and with the assistance of the Department of Social Services, to get these people off the beach. There were three families to begin with. This is the last remaining family on the beach in Iqaluit. The other two were able to get private accommodation. There is no private company in Iqaluit willing to rent to this family. We cannot force them to rent to the family. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a long waiting list in Iqaluit for public housing. People have been waiting to get into public housing who do not have a bad track record living in public housing. The family we are talking about does have a reputation from the past of living in public housing and they do not meet the policy. There is a long list, but there may be something in Iqaluit. I will commit to the Member that I will get together with the Member for Iqaluit and try to see if there is anything possible we can do without setting a precedent and encouraging people to do damage to units, not pay their rent and expect to get back in ahead of other people. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask a question to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. We all know the communities we live in are very cold in the winter. We know about Peter Salomonie's family situation. I do not know if they have any transportation to get their ice for their water in the winter. I know that he is also unemployed at the present time and he works very hard every day to try to keep his place warm and to put food on the table. I know that he is in arrears but, perhaps, the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation could try to assist the family of Peter Salomonie as soon as possible because the government has to be responsible to the public. We should not always look at their financial situation or how much in arrears they are. Will the Minister be able to provide some interim housing for that family as soon as possible? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have made a commitment to the Member for Yellowknife South to work together with the Member for Iqaluit to try to find some sort of accommodation that is better than what they are living in now. I will work with him. I would like to make it clear to the two Members that we, as a government, have a responsibility to our public to try to house them properly, but the public also has a responsibility to treat those units properly and to pay their rent in a timely fashion. Excessive tenant damage is not acceptable. If your rent is set according to what you can afford to pay, then it should be paid. That would have alleviated this problem to begin with. I will look into the matter and try to address the issue as soon as possible. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Arvaluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask my question to the Minister of Social Services. In regard to Mr. Pudlat's and Mr. Whitford's questions earlier, we were told by the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation that the government policy has to be followed, especially with regard to people who are in arrears. We all know if they cannot pay their own arrears, Social Services can assist at times. The Salomonie family has been waiting for a long time. Will Social Services be assisting the Salomonie family with respect to wood for heating? In the paper there is an article which states the need to also get

housing for the Salomonie family as soon as they can, or if they could assist them with wood for heating. Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

(Translation) I will look into the question and I will work with the Minister of Housing and get back to the Member. Thank you.

Mr. Arvaluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. After the Minister of Social Services talks with the Minister responsible for Housing, would the Minister of Social Services be able to get back to me before the end of the week? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I cannot get back to you this week, I will ensure I give you an answer next week. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that Ministers are treating this as an urgency. At the present time, the Salomonies do not have adequate facilities in their house and they do not have enough to heat their house. When individuals are in that kind of condition it is very likely they will get sick more often than people in better housing. Could the Minister of Social Services talk with the Minister of Housing and get back to me? Why can she not answer me this week?

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have already indicated, I will try to solve this problem along with the Minister of the Housing Corporation and get back to the Member. I cannot promise to get back this week, but definitely next week. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, we are talking about a tar-paper shack on the beach. If the Member would like me to send the fire inspector there to condemn the unit, I am prepared to do that, but at this point in time we have to try to find an alternative. It seems to me that prior to doing that we should be looking for an alternative. It is my understanding, Mr. Morin, Mr. Patterson and Ms. Mike are attempting to do that. I was not sure if that was a serious question.

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Before you continue, Mr. Todd. I would like to ask you to be careful with your replies. That reply could be considered to be argumentative. Mr. Todd.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we will send the fire inspector to Iqaluit to check, and condemn I suspect, this unit on the wishes of Mr. Whitford.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if the Minister of WCB could pay attention for a few minutes. Mine managers from my constituency were called to come to Yellowknife to meet with the Minister of WCB on January 20. They came down to meet with the Minister, and the Minister cancelled that meeting. Those two mine managers were wondering why they had to come down when the meeting was cancelled.

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was not aware at the time that these mine managers were coming specifically to meet with me with respect to the WCB. However, I have made arrangements this week to meet with the president of the NWT Chamber of Mines to determine what their concerns are. I was not aware of the specific request at the time and, no, I did not meet with them.

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

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Who paid for their transportation to come to Yellowknife?

Mr. Todd.

It certainly was not the department. I would imagine it would have been the industry itself that paid for these mine managers to come to Yellowknife.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Social Services. I believe the Minister is aware, Mr. Speaker, that representatives of Upassuraakut from Iqaluit were in attendance at a national solvent abuse workshop in January of 1993 at the invitation of Pauktuutit. At that conference, delegates were advised that $1 million, federally, would be available to fund special solvent abuse projects, but that this money would be earmarked for off-reserve communities. Unfortunately those communities might not include communities in the Northwest Territories. Given the staggering problem of substance abuse in the Northwest Territories, as pointed out by Pauktuutit, I wonder if the Minister could inform this House whether she has been able to make any headway in considering having northern communities declared eligible for this federal funding to deal with this very important issue of substance abuse. Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a staff person attending a conference in Winnipeg at this moment on this issue. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister undertake to inform this House whether she has been successful in getting the criteria amended to ensure that northern communities are considered eligible for this program? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will.