Thank you, Madam Speaker. During its review of the 1994-95 main estimates, the committee recommended that the Financial Management Board direct all government departments to review and report progress on all the definitive objectives contained in the 1994-95 main estimates documents. The committee asked that the progress reports be provided to the Finance committee one week prior to the commencement of the review of the 1995-96 main estimates.

Further, the committee recommended that all future main estimate documents contain a status report on departmental accomplishments in relationship to its definitive objectives for the fiscal year preceding the one under review.

The Financial Management Board informed the committee that they have directed all departments to provide progress reports on their 1994-95 definitive objectives. In fact, a consolidated status report on the 1994-95 capital definitive objectives is currently being finalized. The Minister informed the committee that a similar consolidated report on operations and maintenance will be submitted to the Standing Committee on Finance one week prior to the review of the 1995-96 main estimates.

Zero Tolerance For Violence

During its review of the 1994-95 main estimates, the committee made the following comments about the government's efforts in relation to zero tolerance for violence:

"The Government of the Northwest Territories has taken an important first step in making zero tolerance for violence a reality. Committee Members feel that the Premier, as Government Leader and Minister responsible for the women's advisory task, should demonstrate the government's commitment to this strategy by coordinating its development and implementation. Committee Members feel that the Premier should be responsible for ensuring that departmental responsibilities across government are identified and that interdepartmental work is facilitated."

Therefore, the committee recommended that the Premier coordinate the development and implementation of the government's strategy for eliminating violence against all people. The committee further recommended that a preliminary progress report be provided to the Standing Committee on Finance prior to its review of the 1995-96 capital estimates and a final report prior to its review of the 1995-96 main estimates.

The committee did not receive a response to this request prior to its review of the 1995-96 capital estimates as requested. However, the following status report was provided during the review:

"Violence is a widespread problem in the NWT, as recognized by SCOF through this recommendation as well as recommendations 23 and 33. There is a need to respond with a variety of strategies and a range of expertise from more than one department. Because of the complexity of the problems, the resources and expertise of a program department can best coordinate the multi-disciplinary approach. The Department of Justice has been assigned to this task.

The Premier will continue to take a close interest in our progress and work in this area. The Minister of Health and Social Services will have responsibility for, and a direct involvement in, certain aspects of our action.

The Minister of Justice will provide a more detailed response on how we are proceeding, but SCOF Members will be pleased to note that we have already begun to deal with violence through our violence strategy, for which the Minister of Justice is responsible, and the community wellness initiative, which is being directed by Health and Social Services."

Committee Members were disappointed to learn that the Premier chose not to demonstrate the government's commitment to this initiative by coordinating the development and implementation of this initiative. By this comment, the committee does not wish to indicate a lack of faith in the abilities of the Department of Justice to coordinate this important initiative. Members simply felt that the initiative was important enough to the government to warrant the active involvement of the office of the Premier.

Madam Speaker, with your concurrence, I would like to ask that my honourable colleague for Yellowknife North continue on with this report. Thank you.