Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, the discussions and arguments between the federal government and the territorial government have been going on for some time, with relationship to what the funding levels should be. The present and last offer from the federal government is being evaluated right now. The approximate cut is 35 per cent. That is being evaluated to see what that would mean for the delivery of programs and services in aboriginal and French languages. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I have continually insisted on the importance of this matter to the federal government; that this agreement was a special arrangement with the territorial government because of its unique circumstances and that it was an agreement made by a previous Liberal government. I have not only made very strong overtures to the Minister responsible for Canadian Heritage, but also to the Finance Minister, the Honourable Paul Martin, as well as getting the assistance of the Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin, who has made many, many requests to the Ministers responsible, both the Finance Minister and the Minister responsible for languages as well. I have also enlisted the support of the Member for Nunatsiaq, Mr. Jack Anawak.

As well, all the aboriginal organizations have been kept up-to-date on some of the problems and issues that were arising from the anticipated cuts to funding for languages. Not only did we deal with it at that level, but also at the specific meeting dealing with languages at which the Ministers were also in attendance. It was a meeting for all provincial jurisdictions. At that time, there were deliberations on the needs of the Northwest Territories. So, we haven't been shy about our representation and the involvement of the government. It was a Liberal government when the previous Minister, the Honourable Richard Nerysoo, signed the agreement with them. We haven't been shy about our representation.

We have gotten the latest offer and it will be evaluated. I can provide the Member with the updated letter if he so desires. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I would like the Member to clarify. I didn't quite understand his question, Madam Speaker.

Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I would not be able to answer that question clearly or in detail because right at the moment we are evaluating what the latest offer was, what services are essential, what we really have to provide and see what's left and where we go from there.

I hope that in the next few days we will have more clarification of the amounts and what areas we feel we will have to address first. I will share that information with the Members of the Legislative Assembly once we have received a breakdown. I will be working with the Minister responsible for Languages and the other Ministers who have a very clear obligation in terms of providing services, either in the aboriginal languages or in the French language. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo.

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, we do cover that. There is a 10 per cent hold-back from all contracts, and whoever isn't paid should contact either the Department of Public Works and Services or the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation within 60 days of finishing the contract. Thank you.

The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo, supplementary.

Is there assistance that the government could provide those hotels that are not being paid, and how does the process work? Is there a person in your department who handles and helps the local hotels to get their money from contractors? Thank you.

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, if hotels or the co-op or whoever has not been paid by a contractor having a contract with this government, they should be in touch with Department of Public Works and Services at the regional office.

Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.