Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The whole issue of the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 opting out of home boarding has not been concluded. That is one of the matters that is to be discussed with regard to the transfer of Sir John to Yellowknife Education District No. 1. It is a matter for discussion, therefore, I can't suggest to you that the position that has been taken is going to be the position after negotiations are complete.

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We all know that in this day and age money does not grow on trees. Can the

Minister tell me what we are going to do with the overflow of children if we cannot build high schools in the communities fast enough?

Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Madam Speaker, it's interesting that the Minister asked the question because I have already advised the Members of this House of the requirements for capital resources in order for us to keep up with the ongoing requirements to date. I indicated to Members of this House, in our capital budget presentation, there was a requirement for $16 million this year to keep up with the needs. There would be an ongoing requirement over the next five years of $6 million, for a total of $46 million. I advised Members of that requirement in this House. I know there is a requirement. I don't know what else I have to say to the honourable Members as to how we deal with that issue, but one of the matters that has to be dealt with seriously is the question of priority. What are the priorities of capital? That is the issue, and I've advised Members of this House already of those capital requirements.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Again, to the Minister of Education. Since he has targeted a certain amount of capital dollars to the regions, I realize that in Fort Providence there is a requirement of about $3 million to $4 million to renovate or rebuild sections of the school that were built back in 1960, 1959 or 1958. Is it still the Minister's intention to give first preference to the regional high schools as opposed to local schools?

Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. No, the whole matter of priorities is really based on what the needs are that have been identified by the boards in working with them, and responding to the ongoing, primary schooling needs so that we can get students to high school. So that is the basis on which we're trying to work this whole matter to resolve the concern the honourable Member is raising.

Thank you. The time frame for oral questions has lapsed.

I want to bring to the attention of the House, a letter that has been circulated to all Members from the Member for Deh Cho, who earlier wanted me to recognize officials from Revenue Canada. It's been a long standing practice of the chair to recognize only elected officials and former Members in this House. However, it is a Member's prerogative to recognize any individual if they wish, and this is done through a Member's statement. I advised the Member for Deh Cho of this option, which he chose not to use.

I would like to quote from the letter. "I asked Madam Speaker to recognize Mr. Ron Quinn, chief of public affairs for Revenue Canada; Tina VanFraassan, Randy Mann, also from Revenue Canada; who are sitting in the gallery today. Unfortunately, the Speaker has her own preference of those who she wishes to recognize."

The letter circulated has been reviewed and I find it very offensive towards the chair. Therefore, I request the Member for Deh Cho to apologize for stating such unwarranted comments. Member for Deh Cho.

Mr. Gargan, I view it that you are questioning the chair. I am asking you to apologize. Are you willing to apologize to the House?

No, I'm not going to.

Naming Of Member By Speaker

Unfortunately, Mr. Gargan, according to our rules, I request that you remove yourself from the House and be suspended for the rest of the day. Thank you.

Item 6, written questions. Item 7, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.