Madam Speaker, I have another return to oral question. I would like your permission to continue. This is a return to a question asked by Mr. Ningark on March 16, on the status of departmental amalgamations.

In order to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of government, a number of departments and programs were proposed for transfer or consolidation. The consolidations are some, but not all of those recommended by Strength at Two Levels.

These consolidations were announced in 1992 as one aspect of Reshaping Northern Government, which also included decentralization, privatization, reorganization of the central agencies and increased roles for MLAs in decision-making.

Of the announced consolidations and amalgamations, the following have been completed to date:

1992-93: Education and Culture and Communications; Government Services and Public Works; Justice and corrections; and, Intergovernmental Affairs and Aboriginal and Constitutional Affairs.

1993-94: Employment with Education and Culture; and, reorganization of centre.

In May 1993, mandates of central agencies were clarified to streamline decision-making and the central machinery of government, and to rationalize the roles of Comptroller General, the Department of Finance and the Financial Management Board Secretariat.

Madam Speaker, I have a further return to oral question if I may proceed. This is an oral question asked by Mr. Ng on March 21 regarding the policy of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to support northern businesses.

Madam Speaker, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation follows a tendering and contract policy that provides for a northern discount. Sound business practice dictates that support for local businesses that can provide the service for the corporation, leads to development of those businesses and an economy that can help to reduce the corporation's costs.

Other examples of the corporation's efforts to use local business include the use of standing purchase orders and local purchase orders to facilitate local purchases. The SPOs are set up at the beginning of the year for local purchases. These standing orders are set up with businesses that can provide the necessary goods and services. The SPOs are approved by the vice-president of operations.

Purchases against standing purchase orders and local purchase orders are monitored centrally by purchasing and finance. All other purchasing is handled centrally under the tender and contract policy. Madam Speaker, in turn, these operations are reviewed by internal audit. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Madam Speaker, I have a short reply to an oral question asked by Mr. Ballantyne on March 29, regarding the update on negotiations between the United Steel Workers of Canada and Miramar Con Mine.

We have been advised by federal authorities that the federal conciliatory officer assigned to the dispute will be in contact with both parties next week, so as to determine when they should begin and meet again. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Kivallivik, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to return to Ministers' statements.