Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Minister's statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has taken a lead role in using new communications technologies to enhance program delivery. This has included the establishment of a territorial educational computer network and the use of interactive and broadcast television for delivery of distance learning programs. However, these initiatives are dependent on the development of an affordable communications infrastructure, which can be used for a variety of applications, such as television broadcasts, telephone services or computer links. The strategic plan for Education, Culture and Employment focused on the need for

a single, seamless communications network. As a first step towards creating this network, the department is cooperating with its partners to hold the connecting the north conference, from November 23rd to 25th.

Connecting the North will bring together people from the public and private sectors, including political leaders, the people who provide communications services and the people who use those services. Participants will discuss the state of northern communications infrastructure and consider options for future improvements. The potential for improved service delivery and economic development using modern communications technology will also be discussed. Presentations will include demonstrations of successful initiatives in the north and other jurisdictions. Many of these presentations will be made by teleconference, with participants as far away as Australia.

Connecting the North is being organized by the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, with the assistance of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Funding has been provided by my department, as well as the departments of Health and Social Services and Economic Development and Tourism, as well as a number of federal government departments and the private sector. Considerable assistance has also been provided by Telesat Canada and NorthwesTel.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has much to gain from an improved communications infrastructure. High-speed interactive communications could dramatically increase our ability to deliver education and other programs to all communities in a timely and cost-efficient manner. I look forward to next week's conference and our discussions on how to improve information services to connect the north. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some concern has been raised by Members over the past several weeks about the lack of adequate community consultation by the Public Utilities Board concerning this application that will set the new rate structure for all communities in the Northwest Territories.

I am pleased to announce today that the board will be undertaking further regional hearings on the two major diesel zones, proposed zones 3 and 4.

The board is planning to travel to Iqaluit and Inuvik to hold public hearings within the next two months. I will be speaking with the chairman of the PUB later this week to consider the possibility of expanding these hearings to include other regions.

These hearings will provide a further opportunity for municipal governments and other interested residents to appear before the board to provide evidence on this application. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on November 9, 1994, the town of Inuvik issued a press release expressing their concerns about the process used to select a host community for the 1998 Arctic Winter Games. Generally, they are concerned about the process and selection criteria used and what the final decision means for the ongoing integrity and future of the games.

I wish to reiterate the position expressed by the Inuvik and region Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee that the 1998 bid process is finalized, and we all recognize and congratulate the city of Yellowknife as the host community. We wish them all the best.

Mr. Speaker, one of the outstanding issues is the selection process and criteria used by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Ever since the decision was announced, there have been various allegations and insinuations made about the roles and responsibilities of the international bid committee, the Minister, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the two Northwest Territories appointees to the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. I don't want to get into the specifics of these as they have received enough press already.

However, I do wish to again congratulate the Inuvik and regional Arctic Winter Games Bid Committee for their outstanding efforts. They based their bid on the criteria which was given to them and on the understanding that a split games format could be acceptable. In doing so, they presented a very professional package.

What I do wish to address, and hopefully have answered, are the many questions raised by the Inuvik and regional bid committee and Members of this House about the integrity of the selection process. It appears that there is no clear process between the sponsoring governments and the international committee to determine the evolution of the games.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Koe, proceed.

Mahsi. This seems strange because this government appoints two representatives to the international committee, and is also the largest contributor of money to the Arctic Winter Games. Therefore, they should have had considerable influence on the decisions made by the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I would like this government to review the bid process, determine what happened and how and why it happened. The intent here is to ensure that it does not happen again. I would also like this government to review sports, in general. The intent here is to review the sporting activities and the management of these to which this government contributes financial and human resources. I would also like this government to consider providing more support to community and regional games and to indigenous games.

Mr. Speaker, I will be following up on this issue during question period today. And, Mr. Speaker, I also wait for the day when I can attend the first Arctic Winter Games north of the Arctic Circle. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Mr. Kakfwi.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Proceed, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is a historic day for the Treaty 8 Dene First Nations. Today at 3:00 pm in the Ndilo gym, the First Nations will be initialling a protocol agreement of treaty entitlement with the federal government. This initialling will be followed by the initialling of the terms of reference for the transfer of programs and services from Canada to the Treaty 8 Dene First Nations. The Treaty 8 Dene will also initial a process for negotiating a co-existent agreement on traditional lands.

At this time, I would like to extend my congratulations to the people who are very responsible for this important day: Chief Jonas Sangris, Chief Darryl Beaulieu, Chief Antoine Michel, Chief Jerry Paulette, Chief Don Balsillie, and Chief Magloire Paulette; the band councils and the elders; the people of the Treaty 8 First Nations; and, also, a special note of recognition to Mr. Francois Paulette and Mr. Felix Lockhart who are the negotiators.

Mr. Speaker, this is the end of a long, difficult journey and a beginning of a new, difficult journey and I think the people of the Treaty 8 First Nations deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and their patience for coming this far. I think I can speak on behalf of all Members of this Assembly in wishing them the best as they negotiate their treaty with the federal government. Thank you.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to announce today that the hamlet of Cambridge Bay has officially launched their Nunavut capital campaign.

---Applause

Like the old saying goes, better late than never. His Worship, Mayor Larry Ahnavigak is in Rankin Inlet currently and on his way to Iqaluit to promote the community of Cambridge Bay. As with all promotions, there is also propaganda that goes along with it. So, the Cambridge Bay Capital Committee has commissioned these T-shirts, which I present to all Members on their behalf...

Shame, shame.

Mr. Speaker, you will notice that these ones are in colour, and not black and white, like some of the others.

Ohh.

---Laughter

I'd like to ask my honourable colleagues from Keewatin Central and from Iqaluit to possibly model these when they go back to their home constituency.

---Laughter

We also have caps and brochures that the Cambridge Bay Capital Committee has commissioned to go along with the T-shirts. But, unfortunately, they are not available at this time and I suspect it is because the caps are being made in the Keewatin and the brochures are being printed in Iqaluit.

---Laughter

But, all joking aside, Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all communities luck in their efforts to become the capital of Nunavut. Regardless of which community it is, I think it's important that the best, most effective and most efficient delivery of government services to the residents of Nunavut is what counts. Thank you, very much.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you. Yes, Mr. Whitford, rare, but when I do speak, I hope it's worthy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to do what many others in this Assembly have done and that is recognize the contributions of many in my constituency to deal with the issue of alcohol and drug abuse.

Members should be aware that the Hay River alcohol centre is probably one of the oldest organizations dealing with alcohol. There have been many successes and many failures, or so-called failures. But, the fact is, no matter what situation occurred, at least we were able to convince people that there is a need for them to deal with some of their personal issues, problems and development.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay tribute to those people in Aklavik, of the Aklavik Alcohol Committee. Historically, we have to recognize people like Danny and Annie B. Gordon, who were instrumental in the establishment of that committee. But, I also wanted to pay personal tribute to a lady who is our community school counsellor in Fort McPherson, a lady by the name of Hazel Nerysoo. Hazel Nerysoo has been involved in the development and establishment of a pride group in Fort McPherson. In the last three years, they've been attending most pride conferences and have been raising funds, even to this day, for people to take healing programs, particularly as they deal with personal drug and alcohol abuse, and solvent abuse. They are trying to get young people involved in community wellness and development.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this opportunity to say to those people and to the many staff who are working with these boards, committees and with our young. It is always our pleasure to see the commitment of our communities and our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Your timing was perfect. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think this is going to be the last day before Christmas, which is only about 40 days away. Publicly, I would like to wish the people of the NWT a very merry Christmas, especially my colleagues in this House. I find it very useful and educational to work with all my colleagues, the MLAs, in this government. I would also like to wish my constituents a very special Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, Christmas is a time to rejoice, share and be merry. However, there are many families that may not be as lucky as most of us. They may not be as healthy as we are, they may not be able to move around and, financially, Mr. Speaker, families may not be able to enjoy a turkey dinner and kids might not be able to receive a Christmas present like most of our kids do, especially those of us who are in the system.

Mr. Speaker, my heart is very, very close to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Therefore, I would like to remind all the MLAs and the people of the NWT to walk that extra mile to help the poor people of this jurisdiction so that they may have the most pleasant, most enjoyable Christmas ever. Thank you.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Deh Cho First Nations want to host an economic development conference soon and I support that concept because in my constituency, there are many different economic opportunities that have been undertaken by individuals and different bands and companies over the years and there has never been an economic development conference in my constituency.

Over the past couple of years, there have been discussions on the community level to try to put together some sort of a conference. This is to try to develop a framework economic development strategy for the whole region. What will it achieve? Well, it will achieve formulating several actions plans for key economic sectors which will, in turn, roll into a comprehensive regional economic development strategy. There are different opportunities in each of these sectors presently: transportation, oil and gas; communications; mining; and, resource harvesting. That is naming just a few opportunities that are out there. Participation is very important for everyone in the region and in the communities to try to put our heads together to see what is there and plan for the future. I think it is very important in light of the fact that in 1999, once division happens, the north is going to have to be revisited and see what we have and how we will deal with what we have. This is the direction in my constituency. There is a request to

the government by people in my area for financial support to put on such a conference.

Just recently, there was a conference in Rankin Inlet where the government supported this major initiative, so people could put their heads together and see how economic opportunities could be realized. This is similar to that type of request. I would just like the House to know that this is the direction people in my constituency are taking at this time. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam...Mr. Speaker, pardon me.

---Laughter

Mr. Speaker, I want to comment today on the recent statement from the president of the NWT Medical Association, Dr. Perry Caplan: that there are now more doctors in the NWT, that they are staying longer and many doctors who come to the Northwest Territories are attracted by the challenge of practising a different kind of medicine here than in many other parts of the country or the world.

I would like today to pay tribute to one of those doctors, the longest serving physician in Nunavut and one of the longest serving physicians in the Northwest Territories, Dr. Paul Stubbings, who has been practising medicine in Iqaluit, in one capacity or another, including a term as chief of staff of the Baffin Regional Hospital, and the establishment of the first private medical clinic in Iqaluit, since September 12, 1978.

Dr. Caplan, in his statement, pointed out that practising medicine in the NWT is especially difficult and challenging and involves much more primary care than elsewhere. Being a permanent resident of the community, getting to know your patients very well means the patients get excellent service, but I think it can also mean additional pressures on the person delivering the service. It must be much more difficult when you are a doctor who is close to your patient.

This emphasis on community and preventive primary health care is what makes our health system unique and even the envy of the rest of Canada. Paul Stubbings is a long-time home owner in Iqaluit. He is a keen hunter and respected outdoorsman. Last year, he travelled by snowmobile to Cape Dorset from Iqaluit. He knows the people in the Baffin region and he understands them. He knows a lot about the Inuit and their culture and he has freely passed on this specialized and valuable knowledge to the many shorter-term physicians and health professionals with whom he has worked over the years.

Over the years, Paul Stubbings has been there for us for the emergencies, the call-outs in the middle of the night and he has also delivered an awful lot of babies, and even their babies, in Iqaluit. He and his family have made an enormous contribution to the community.

I rise on behalf of the people of Iqaluit and the Baffin region to say thank you to Dr. Stubbings. He is a modest, humble man. He doesn't seek recognition or high visibility, however, we do recognize him and his great contribution to health services in the region. Thank you.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Is there anyone on this side of the House? Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to express my gratitude. We will probably be finishing today, Mr. Speaker. During the session, my constituents were expressing their concerns, and there were other matters, but I would like to thank them. They often help us along the way. They don't just express their concerns, they also help us. We can move further with the help of our constituents. We have to represent our constituents and they help us along the way.

I probably won't be able to go to all the communities in my constituency during the Christmas holidays, so as I won't see everyone during the holiday, I would like to wish them a merry Christmas, especially to those people who have physical disabilities and they can't go to any activities during the holidays. I am sure there will be other people who will help them. I wish everyone a very merry Christmas. We will be taking time out to rethink our priorities. With that, Mr. Chairman, I would like people in my constituency and citizens of the NWT to have a very merry Christmas. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you very much, Mr. Pudlat. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the last few years, one issue that has received a lot of attention and discussion is the relationship between aboriginal people and the justice system. Today I would like to talk about the relationship between the justice system in the Northwest Territories and the residents of smaller communities, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal.

In Canada, when a person comes into conflict with the law, they have the right to legal representation. This right is entrenched under section 10 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If a person is detained by authorities, the exercising of this right poses certain duties on the police. The first is that they must give the person the opportunity to retain and discuss the situation with a lawyer without delay. The second is that the police must not attempt to extract information from the detained person until the person has had reasonable opportunity to retain a lawyer.

These two conditions, Mr. Speaker, place additional duties on the authorities. They must inform the person of the reason they are being detained, or arrested so that the person can exercise his or her right to counsel in a meaningful way. The accused must have a reasonable understanding of the trouble they are in. This understanding is even more important if a person should choose not to retain a lawyer.

From time to time, usually in the south, we hear of these basic rights being violated for one reason or another. Usually they are just honest mistakes that can sometimes have very serious consequences. We face a unique situation here in the north that could also have serious consequences. As an important part of their obligation, the authorities must, as a matter of routine, inform the detained person of an existence and availability of legal aid in that jurisdiction. But, here in the north, Mr. Speaker, resident lawyers are few and far between outside major centres. In addition, Mr. Speaker, the unfortunate fact of life in the Northwest Territories is that the majority of crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol. This fact, coupled with the communication problems due to the many different languages in the north, requires policemen in the Northwest Territories to be especially diligent in ensuring that no one's rights are violated.

Mr. Gargan, your time is up.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member is asking for unanimous consent to complete his statement. Are there any nays? Proceed, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Most of the smaller communities in the north do not have a lawyer a person can call if they get into trouble. However, the government has made an effort to provide services to anyone who needs them. Legal aid is only a phone call away. In fact, a list of lawyers is posted in every police detachment in the Northwest Territories. As a condition of their duties, these lawyers are required to accept all collect calls. Legal aid also pays for telephone calls necessary to allow the lawyers to become familiar with the case.

Instead of calling a lawyer, a person can contact a regional legal aid clinic or a local community representative of the regional office. These representatives are members of the community who are able to steer citizens through the legal system.

I would like to note the ongoing commitment of this government to improving northern justice through aboriginal and community justice initiatives. I encourage future governments to continue to pursue these goals. Every effort must always be made to ensure that residents, especially those in smaller communities, are granted all their rights and privileges under the law. Every effort must also be made to ensure that justice is done.

Mr. Speaker, under aboriginal initiatives, the community of Fort Providence has, during the last year, worked on creating the possibility of an aboriginal correctional facility in the community of Fort Providence. Unfortunately, to my disappointment, there is no money allocated for that initiative. And I'm truly disappointed that whether it's the government's fault or the Standing Committee on Finance's fault, I would like to say that it is a step for my constituency with regard to aboriginal justice initiatives. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Gargan. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you, Mr. Zoe. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Shame.

Ohh.

Hard to believe.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on November 15th regarding a baseline study on FAS/FAE. Mr. Antoine asked if I would reconsider the decision of the department so that a baseline study on fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects can be carried out.

Mr. Speaker, the national population health survey will provide a great deal of valuable information on issues such as fetal alcohol syndrome. It will help the department to get a better understanding of the health and social issues affecting our children. When the results of this survey are analyzed, I will review the situation to decide where further research is necessary. It may be that the population health survey will identify other areas which also need research attention. At that point, a decision will be made about where research money can be best spent. I will brief the Member of the results of the survey and outline the further research that will be done. This will occur, Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 1995.

Mr. Speaker, I have another return to oral question which was asked by Mr. Pudluk on November 14th regarding the request of the hamlet of Resolute Bay for the transfer of health and social service programs. The honourable Member inquired about the status of transferring health and social services programs to the community of Resolute Bay.

The community has initiated the first step in the community transfer process. The letter from the hamlet council has been forwarded to the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kakfwi will be directing staff from the community transfer program to contact and meet with the hamlet. The hamlet will be briefed on how the community transfer program works and what steps and actions they must take to develop a community transfer agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ng on November 14, 1994, regarding the designation of Bathurst Inlet and Umingmaktok. As previously indicated to the Member, Bathurst Inlet and Umingmaktok are not incorporated. Further, neither are formally recognized by the government as communities. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs does not provide any municipal services to Bathurst Inlet or Umingmaktok.

In response to the Member's question, it would be the responsibility of individual departments to address specific needs identified by the residents of Bathurst and Umingmaktok. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Patterson.

I would like to recognize Mr. Ben MacDonald of the Union of Northern Workers.

---Applause

Is there anybody else in the gallery you would like to recognize today? Okay, item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to thank Mr. Koe for letting me go first. I have to go to the treaty entitlement ceremony. Mr. Speaker, though I agree with my colleague from Yellowknife that the decision of the Public Utilities Board is better than the proposal put forth by the Power Corporation, my constituents find it totally unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely unfair that the citizens of Yellowknife have to pay a penalty because of the lack of long-term planning by the Power Corporation.

So, my question, Mr. Speaker, to the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation is, why wasn't the $7 million extra revenue that came out of the Snare system during the time of high water put into a stabilization fund to pay for the low-water years? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. I would like to remind the Member that I am not a Madam.

---Laughter

Would the Minister like to respond to Mr. Ballantyne's question? Return To Question 28-12(7): NWTPC Rate Stabilization Fund

Mr. Speaker, the specific question Mr. Ballantyne is asking is with regard to planning for a calculation of unanticipated costs relating to the charges necessary when the environment doesn't allow for enough water to run a hydro system. Mr. Speaker, a stabilization fund was not set up because the rate of return did not allow enough to be able to absorb the expenses incurred in trying to reach our commitment of providing infrastructure to communities, including the upgrading of the Snare Yellowknife system and the dividends paid to the territorial government for a subsidy of power. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Mr. Ballantyne.

Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. My apologies, Mr. Speaker. In the PUB report there is an unusual section which condemns the Power Corporation for not showing due diligence in setting up a stabilization fund. So, my question to the Minister is, when did the Power Corporation apply for a stabilization fund to the Public Utilities Board?

Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Speaker, sorry. Mr. Speaker, what I have indicated is that the rate of return that was allowed for the NWT Power Corporation in the past did not allow enough revenue to create a stabilization fund, although it was contemplated over a year ago, or earlier than that. There wasn't enough money by the time the Power Corporation had worked on infrastructure and had paid to the territorial government the subsidization for power. The rate of return only allowed for that, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam, Mr. Speaker. We are so used to this, Mr. Speaker, it will take us at least another day to get used to you being in the chair and then we won't be here, probably. But, I will try to remember. Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. That didn't really answer my question. The Public Utilities Board is not able to read the minds of the Power Corporation. The Public Utilities Board, as I said, in quite an unusual part of the decision, condemned the Power Corporation for not exercising due diligence. As far as I'm aware, the Power Corporation hadn't specifically asked for the ability to set up a stabilization fund.

My question to the Minister is, can the Minister assure this House and assure the power consumers of the Northwest Territories that, in fact, a rate stabilization fund will be set up so that users in this particular system -- and it's their system -- will never again have to face an unacceptable high increase that they're facing today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I don't know if the Member wants me to answer the two questions that are in his statement or his preamble. I'm not quite sure how I can be more specific. Maybe he can be more specific on exactly what the question is.

Thank you, Madam. All you're required to do is make a response to a question. Your final supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne.

I would be quite happy if the Minister answered my preamble, my example and my question. I would be happy for all three. But if the Minister only wants to answer one, will the Minister ensure that the Power Corporation sets up a rate stabilization fund so that the power users of the Snare system will never again have to face such an unacceptably high increase in one year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ballantyne. Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, in discussions with the Power Corporation, I can make one assurance. However, the problem in trying to answer the question of it never happening in the future...I can't predict nor can the Power Corporation what extremes can happen in the future. However, within reasonable variances, I can assure the Member that it is the intent of the Power Corporation to set up a stabilization fund. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Next on my list is Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. In awarding the Arctic Winter Games to Yellowknife, the international committee apparently used criteria which included size and population. Given how important these criteria were in the final decision, they must have known before the bid process began. My question to the Minister is, was the Minister and her department aware of the criteria which specified size and population, prior to the bid process?

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Neither my department nor myself were aware that size and population

were going to be a criteria in selecting the host community. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Mr. Koe.

Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. The criteria for hosting games are laid out in a printed document. They're laid out in a handbook which is given to potential host communities, and they're prepared by the international committee. Was the Minister not aware of this document and its implications for hosting by smaller northern communities?

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am aware of the hosting societies manual. However, as I have indicated in this House, last winter in Slave Lake my predecessor had met with the participating jurisdictions' Ministers, including the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, and reached an agreement where smaller communities can participate in putting forth a bid and being able to host. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. If that was the case then, did the current Minister follow up from the meetings that the previous Minister had on this issue of size and population?

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I didn't, but my predecessor did back in January 1994; reconfirming the Northwest Territories appreciation, their understanding and the support that that would allow communities in our jurisdictions to bid to host the 1998 Arctic Winter Games on the basis of splitting the games into two four-day sessions with half completed in each session. He further states that, "I interpret a consensus of support for our proposal in the regard, although such a format in other jurisdictions was not supported. We have proceeded to invite community bids to host the games on the strength of the support we received in Slave Lake." Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Final supplementary, Mr. Koe. You're finished? Next on my list is Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is again to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs respecting the Arctic Winter Games. Preparing a bid and hosting the bid committee for the Arctic Winter Games is an expensive process. In a time of limited funding, money should have been spent only if there was a reasonable expectation of success. I would like to ask the Minister, at what point in the bid process was she made aware of the potential difficulty in Inuvik not being able to be awarded the games because of its size?

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I became aware of it on October 18th when Mr. Thick spoke to my deputy minister about which community would be hosting. Thank you.

That's your response, Ms. Mike. Ms. Ng. Mr. Ng, I'm sorry.

Thank you, Ms. Speaker. No, sorry, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

As the Minister said Gerry Thick from the international committee stated in CBC radio interviews that no small-sized communities can ever hope to host future games if the format remains the same, and that affects, of course, all NWT communities with the exception of Yellowknife because of its size. I would like to ask the Minister what she and the government are doing to address this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have already stated in this House, I plan to meet with the participating jurisdiction Ministers this coming winter. There is a meeting scheduled in Grande Prairie in February. I will further try to stress the fact that it is important that our smaller communities should be eligible to bid to be the host of the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The decision to not allow Inuvik to host the Arctic Winter Games is because of their size, and it will affect communities in the future in Nunavut from hosting these games as well because they are a lot smaller in size even than Inuvik. I would like to ask the Minister if this was ever considered when the Arctic Winter Games committee was choosing the Arctic Winter Games site for 1998.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That I don't know because I have not received a report from Mr. Gerry Thick, to date, although I have written a letter requesting him to provide me with the report. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is also on the Arctic Winter Games to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. In comments made surrounding the awarding of the 1998 games, there seems to have been some confusion emerging about the authority of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. In statements made by Mr. Thick, in a CBC radio interview, he gave the impression that the international committee may have felt that it didn't have the authority or mandate to consider altering the format of the games to a split games format. Does the Government of the Northwest Territories give direction to their international committee representatives on the Arctic Winter Games International Committee? Thank you.

Thank you. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to clarify Mr. Patterson's preamble, I do have the Arctic Winter Games International Committee breakfast meeting with political representatives minutes. Mr. Cooper, in looking at the minutes, summarized that the consensus was that in 1998, the Northwest Territories proposal for a split-week venue situation would be acceptable, if the cost was about the same. He further stated that this split-week venue would not become an Arctic Winter Games International Committee policy. In answering Mr. Patterson's question, whether this government gives directions to the committee, that committee is at arm's length and I don't know where Mr. Thick got the idea that we can influence decisions that they make. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. I would like to remind Members that, as the Speaker informed us yesterday, we should try to keep our preambles short, so the Ministers know where the question is. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the information provided by the Minister on this issue of concern is very interesting. Would the Minister be prepared to make the minutes of this breakfast meeting available to the Members of this House? Thank you.

Thank you. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can make the minutes available to the Member. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister if she believes that the international committee has the authority and mandate to alter the format of the games, changing the format to accommodate split-week games. Thank you.

I believe the question was whether the Minister believes it or not, but perhaps you could respond on the basis of the facts you have. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have said already, whether it is my belief or not, the international committee is at arm's length from this government and in Mr. Cooper's summarized report, they made it very clear that the split venue situation can be acceptable if the costs are reasonable. However, they made it clear also that it would not become their policy. Thank you.