Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As we are aware, the act that is before you, Bill 7, is to amend the Arctic College Act and will strengthen, in my view, the Northwest Territories post secondary education system and its role in the field of science and technology. The proposed amendment removes references to Arctic College in the act and allows for the creation of one or more college.

In addition, it also provides for more flexibility in establishing a student association. The bill also recognizes the importance of scientific research and investigations. It gives the board of governors of the college the functions previously held by the Science Institute, as well as the power to establish a science advisory council to which the board may delegate these functions.

Mr. Chairman, I have much more to say about this particular legislation, but in responding to the House here, I would like to deal with a couple of issues. While I didn't necessarily agree with everything in the report of the Standing Committee on Legislation, I think that the important component is that it highlights concerns that have been raised by many. Despite the concerns that have been raised, it is my belief that the new relationship that has been established will only improve the quality of service and quality of the institution that we're establishing.

I noted, Mr. Chairman, some of the concerns that were raised about baseline data and health issues. I, too, and I think also the Cabinet Members, realize these are important components of research that have to be conducted. But, with respect to those concerns, we already have departments that are responsible for carrying out that research. In the case of habitat and wildlife, we have the Department of Renewable Resources. In the case of the health issues, the Department of Health and Social Services, through its responsibility, has to be held accountable for that kind of research.

I think what is most important, as well, is that an important component of any post-secondary institution in the north, as we lead to an institution that might be an institution which delivers four-year university degree programs, is to play a high profile role in research and technology. We cannot have an institution in the north where our students or our institution don't play that role.

I do appreciate the concern that was raised by the Standing Committee on Legislation. Without question, in my view, it has to be a serious consideration in any of the deliberations that the science advisory council will take in the future. It is something that the public colleges also have to consider. I think everyone recognizes the importance of science and technology. What is important, though, is that we haven't paid a great deal of attention to it in our post-secondary institutions. We need to do better. I think this will allow us to take advantage of the quality of people already involved in the system.

With those opening remarks, Mr. Chairman, I'm prepared to deal directly with Bill 7.