Mr. Whitford, I would like to caution Members that words made by a Member before they become a Minister are irrelevant to a Minister's performance. Perceived management styles within this Legislative Assembly are not an appropriate judgement for Members to make. I wonder if I could please caution the honourable Member in the comments he is making about the honourable Minister. Thank you. You may continue, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Zoe on February 18 regarding costs for the review of the fire management program.

Mr. Speaker, the estimated cost of the contract issued for the review of the fire management program is $290,000. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Gargan on February 23, 1993, regarding medical counselling and information services for women.

The Department of Health in conjunction with Stanton Yellowknife Hospital and regional health boards is closely monitoring all aspects of the abortion implementation plan. In the new fiscal year the Department of Health will prepare a summary of progress and specific actions taken to implement the recommendations.

Station Yellowknife Hospital tabled their "abortion recommendation response plan" at the December 1, 1992, public board meeting. The board has directed administration of Stanton Yellowknife Hospital to provide a quarterly update; the next update is due at the April 20, 1993 board meeting. In addition, there will be an evaluation of the response plan at the end of one year. Stanton Yellowknife Hospital does conduct reviews to ensure patients are provided with appropriate information. Thank you.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome, in the gallery, Pam May and her grade six students from Sissons school.

---Applause

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

Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will, in fact, meet that deadline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Social Services. I received a letter February 11, 1993, from a person who was concerned about social assistance. In our constituency it is much more costly than in the south. Because many items are more expensive than they are in the south, I wonder if there could be a review done to see if these individuals should be receiving higher social assistance? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will look into the matter the Member is questioning. Until the appeal committee reports or tables their concerns to us, there is nothing we can do. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regard to the committee you mentioned, do you have any idea when they will put in a request? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to answer the question again. There is a policy with regard to how much a person is supposed to receive as social assistance. I believe that without the committee requesting this of us, we cannot do anything. Thank you.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Arvaluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not quite understand the response given by the Minister of Social Services. I believe the question was when is the committee, which she mentioned, going to submit how the policy will be changed? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The committee which I mentioned is the Special Committee on Health and Social Services. I am waiting for them to submit their report. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When are you expecting them to submit this? Thank you.