Thank you, Mr. Koe. Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, this is one area I can assure the Member that, as we stated to the Standing Committee on Finance, we are going to be reviewing this total function and how the operation is carried out. I don't know where it is on the order paper exactly, but it is very soon. I believe with the communication such as it is and the requirement for better communication, this is an area we might be able to do better work in. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Are you finished, Mr. Koe? Are we agreed on page 02-14, $3.722 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Executive Council Secretariat

The next item is Executive Council Secretariat, $6.35 million. We are on page 02-15. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With regard to the executive regional operations and the roles of regional directors, I wonder what the status is of the review of their role and functions.

Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that the regional directors are presently in the capital city of Yellowknife and are undergoing some assessments on the role they have today. In about two weeks, a paper will be ready for Cabinet and discussion on the role and review of the regional directors. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Mr. Ng.

What are the Premier's thoughts regarding the roles of the regional directors currently?

Thoughts, okay. Madam Premier.

I don't like to give personal thoughts on this because in different regions, regional directors function according to the dynamics of the different regions. I don't want to presume anything. At this point in time, those positions are very important in terms of facilitating and coordinating activities. That is more in terms of trying to tie things together, not only in headquarters, but in the regions, so we are not stepping over each other. In any area of government things just don't go on, someone must be there, et cetera. I think it is important to have someone there to coordinate and keep an eye on activities that are going on in their region and give some feedback. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier.

Madam Premier.

The intention is to standardize the responsibility of regional directors. Earlier, I was asked a personal opinion, and my personal opinion is that in different regions, the level of importance or use of regional directors depends on the dynamics of that specific region. Although, this has nothing to do with the intent of standardizing the roles. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Premier. Are you happy, Mr. Ng? Okay. Page 02-14, Executive Council Secretariat, $6.35 million. Mr. Koe.

In the budget speech, there was an announcement that salaries of deputy ministers are going to be restructured or reduced and increases to their salaries will be based on merit. But there is no mention of regional directors. There are senior managers in the field almost equivalent of deputy ministers. Are they going to fall under the same knife, scalpel, I mean?

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, like it was stated before, we can only do so much at one time. I think there has been quite a lot of comment on accountability and responsibility of deputy ministers. So that was the first tier that was dealt with. At this point in time, we haven't determined what formula, whether it will be the same or different, on regional directors. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Koe, before I recognize you, I would like to recognize Chief Harry Deneron, from Fort Liard, who is in the gallery. I know we will be meeting with the Treaty 11 chiefs later on.

---Applause

Mr. Koe.

In the regions, there has always been the concern of the accountability and responsibility and function of the regional directors. So I was glad my colleague, Mr. Ng, raised the question about the review of roles of the regional directors. I hope the study and evaluation of these functions will be done as soon as possible and made available to us. And if there are changes, that we have some input into it.

Thank you, Mr. Koe. Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, I certainly take that suggestion. I think as we go along, we will try to look at more pay for performance. I know we want to move very quickly on this issue. Thank you.