Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to clarify, when a Member requests information at a regional level, does that information have to be cleared through headquarters, or can it be released at the regional level to Members requesting this information? Thank you.

Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I would suggest that any information of a non-confidential nature that has been requested by a Member of the Legislative Assembly at the regional level would not require further approval from head office, unless there is some question at the regional level about whether certain information is confidential or not yet ready for release. Oft-times in government work, there are some areas where the head office would say, in an area of a development program, that work is not conclusive. So, that may be an area where a person would contact head office to see if the information is ready for release, but, by and large, there should be no hesitation to release information at the regional level.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Final supplementary. In some instances, I've encountered difficulties with certain departments in releasing information, where they say that approval must come from the Minister and where I'm

requesting non-confidential public information. I would like to ask, is it up to the individual Ministers to decide whether that information must be released, under their signature? Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, if there is public information being requested, I see no reason why that should be denied to a Member of the Legislative Assembly. If there are circumstances where the Member has a concern about information being held back, I would be very pleased to address those specific issues. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, as of 9:45 this morning, no decision had been made. Since we've come to this House, I don't know. As far as I understand, the Minister of Indian Affairs has concluded that he will need a little more time to make a final decision. Helen Maksagak will be Acting Commissioner until such time as that decision has been made. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

The Premier indicated that it would take a little bit more time. I would like to ask the Premier when the announcement of a new Commissioner will be made? Is there a specific time frame for that? Thank you.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I have no control or influence in telling the Minister of Indian Affairs, Mr. Ron Irwin, when to make a decision. He has not conveyed to me when he will make that decision. I know he wants to. As of right now, we have processed everything required of us and forwarded the information to the Honourable Minister of Indian Affairs. It is entirely in his jurisdiction right now to make a decision on that matter. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Justice regarding his intention to invite the honourable Ron Irwin to address the Assembly. I would like to ask the Minister exactly what is the intended purpose of the appearance of Mr. Irwin?

Thank you. Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Point of order, Mr. Gargan.

Point Of Order

Madam Speaker, is my question out of order?

Mr. Gargan, your question is not out of order, but I should caution you that that motion is on the order paper for today and it can be discussed today at the prerogative of the mover of the motion. We all know that motions have two days, which would be today and Tuesday, for discussion. Since the motion is on the order paper, your questioning should be cautious, depending on whether your question can be debated. I'm saying that your question is not out of order, depending on how you phrase the question.

The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you. I understood the response that the Minister gave, that there are a number of issues and concerns that the Cabinet and this House would like to address with Mr. Irwin. Has the Minister of Justice been in contact with Mr. Irwin regarding potential issues and agenda items for discussion?