The initial screening is done by the secretariat, but in terms of priorities and planning, often times, those initiatives go to Cabinet one, two or sometimes even three times. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I understand from the honourable Minister's answer that the screening of policy proposals for Cabinet is now done by a secretariat. Does this mean, what was formerly a process to review and screen policy proposals before they went to Cabinet by elected officials has been replaced by a screening and reviewing process undertaken by non-elected officials or bureaucrats? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

No, Mr. Speaker. A proposal would be developed. As a Member recognizes it, the Priorities and Planning Secretariat would look at it to see where there would be deficiencies or a deviation from policies which are already in place. This comes to Cabinet. Previously, we had separate meetings on priorities and planning. Right now, the full Cabinet participates. What is produced, depending on how well the documents have been prepared, how much consideration has been taken in terms of looking at what the policies and programs were acceptable under certain guidelines for the year, where there is remiss and various departments have not taken that into consideration, are identified on a pink slip, which tells you all those areas, that goes to Cabinet. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government Leader has indicated that a proposal would be reviewed by bureaucrats for deficiencies. I presume, if there were numerous deficiencies, the proposal would not be allowed to go forward to Cabinet. Under the present system, does the bureaucracy have the power, based on a technical analysis, to reject policy submissions from elected Ministers on technical grounds? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, to bring to the attention of the honourable Member, not much has changed since he was there except, rather than going through a separate priorities and planning committee like we did before, which was basically the same people who were on Cabinet, we do not have that in between. I have tried to establish certain principles and guidelines on new initiatives that will come forward. If you are outside that initiative, you will have a longer pink than if you were inside that initiative, but it would get to the Cabinet.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is with regard to the Department of Transportation, however the Minister responsible is not here so I would like to direct my question to the Government Leader. In 1989, there was a restructuring of departments so the Department of Public Works and Highways was split up into two separate departments, the Departments of Transportation and Public Works. The Government of the Northwest Territories' transfer policy dated February 24, 1988, refers to the services provided by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Can the Government Leader advise when this policy will be revised in order to reflect the changes which have occurred as a result of the departmental restructuring? Mahsi.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I would have to take that 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 Education, Culture and Employment Programs. During the dates of March 17 to 19, the annual meeting of the Gwich'in renewable resources councils was held in Inuvik. I subsequently tabled a copy of their motions in this House. One of the motions asked this government to initiate a renewable resources program in the Gwich'in settlement area.

How many renewable resource programs are there in the Northwest Territories and where are they located?

Those are two questions, Mr. Koe. Perhaps you would like to decide which one you want to ask. Mr. Koe.

How many renewable resource programs are there in the Northwest Territories?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is only one renewable resource technology program which Arctic College delivers, but there is also an environmental technology program that we deliver in the Nunavut area, in particular in Iqaluit. Those two programs are under review. We have had some difficulty with the environmental technology program. As such, we are re-assessing the need for that particular program.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In terms of the renewable resource councils' motion, does the Minister support the motion and will he act on the request of the renewable resource councils?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It would be difficult for me to say, I did not support the idea of establishing regional programs, because that is the direction this government has supported in trying to promote programs in the regions. However, that request has only been received in the last two or three weeks. It is under review at this particular time. We are now working in conjunction with the Gwich'in tribal council to consider delivering two additional programs, one is life skills in conjunction with the Grant McEwan College, and the other is a management program in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge. However, those two programs will also have to take into consideration the requirements and requests that will be made by other residents in the Beaufort/Delta region to allow them to participate in those two programs.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.