Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Premier and the Honourable John Todd will be absent from the House today to attend the Nunavut conference in Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, most people in the NWT and outside the NWT have followed with interest the various announcements about the valuable mineral deposits that have been identified in the area geologists refer to as the "Slave geological province." Generally there is consensus that some of the exploration activities will result in mines in the near future. The most likely is BHP's diamond exploration activity in the Lac de Gras area.

The potential for mines in this area has raised many questions about the impact of development of wildlife, water quality and traditional activities. There have also been many questions about the economic opportunity development could bring to the north. Mr. Speaker, I want to assure this House that through the Department of Renewable Resources, this government is carefully monitoring the impact of this exploration activity on the environment. We are working closely with other government departments, DIAND, aboriginal groups and industry.

Mr. Speaker, over the past three months, two major initiatives have been announced that are directed at responding to environmental concerns. In December, the federal government announced the appointment of a four-member environmental assessment panel to review BHP's diamond mine project in the Lac de Gras area. At the same time the panel was announced, I and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development announced a major regional study of the environmental, social and economic issues related to mineral development in the Slave geological province. The partners involved in this study include government, industry, aboriginal groups and environmental groups.

I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues on both these initiatives. Mr. Speaker, the BHP diamond mine project is being reviewed under federal environmental assessment legislation. My department is currently coordinating GNWT participation in the review process. We are doing this through an interdepartmental working group which includes the departments of Economic Development and Tourism; Education, Culture and Employment; Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; Health and Social Services; Justice; Safety and Public Services; and, Transportation. This working group will be responsible for developing GNWT input throughout the environmental assessment and review process which will include written submissions and formal presentations before the federal panel.

On the second initiative, the Slave geological province regional study, my department has met with each of the partner groups. Their response to this regional study has been positive. The first workshop for the regional study will take place on February 28th, March 1st and 2nd in Yellowknife. Representatives from industry, environmental groups, aboriginal groups and government will be attending the workshop. The objectives of this workshop are to develop terms of reference and goals and objectives for the study, to define the management structure for the study and to agree on the next steps in the study process. By working together, the concerns of all parties can be identified and addressed. This is the first step towards achieving a sustainable future for the area.

Mr. Speaker, it is our objective, in both the environmental assessment of the BHP diamond mine project and the Slave geological province regional study, to promote exploration and development of mineral resources in ways that provide lasting social and economic benefits to northerners while preserving the environment. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to update my colleagues on progress on both the BHP environmental assessment process and the regional study. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members of the 12th Assembly we've talked a lot about strengthening our communities. We have talked about community-based approaches to problems. In my region, there is a community which wants to address an important problem. In my region, when a mother is going to have a baby, she must leave the support of her family and travel to Yellowknife to have the child. Expectant mothers are sent to Yellowknife four to five weeks before the baby is due. This separation from community and family causes stress for the mother, reduces the early bonding to family and is very hard on families left behind.

Mr. Speaker, the people in Taloyoak have come up with an idea which would allow mothers to stay at home longer and be healthier during their pregnancies. Taloyoak would like to establish a birthing centre. This birthing centre would provide enhanced prenatal care which would reduce the risk of birthing complications. It would also provide an alternative for those women who decide to remain in their community for childbirth. Not only is a birthing centre good from a social perspective; it also has financial benefits. The current four to five-week stays in Yellowknife are very expensive for this government. Although there is a cost to setting up and running the birthing centre, the total cost per mother will be much less than current arrangements.

The government has indicated that it is waiting for the results of the review of the Rankin Inlet birthing project before looking at Taloyoak. Mr. Speaker, the people of Taloyoak are ready to proceed with this centre now. I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services to work with the people of Taloyoak in making this birthing centre become a reality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to make a Member's statement to tell you why I did not attend a Nunavut Implementation Commission meeting, which is being held in Iqaluit. I didn't attend that conference because there has to be a certain number of Members present to make a quorum. I feel to represent my constituents, I should stay here in Yellowknife to meet during the session. I just want to make sure that I represent my constituency properly.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was quite disappointed with the response of the Premier to my questions yesterday on the government's preparation for the debate that is taking place about the possible independence of Quebec. Canada is rapidly changing as we know it. Social programs inevitably will be cut. The battle for the hearts and minds of Quebecers has been engaged. We know that the civil service will be cut dramatically and there is no doubt -- and the Finance Minister has warned us -- that over the next few years, the transfer payments are in jeopardy.

So what I expect from the government is leadership. I don't expect the government strategy to come out in dribs and drabs in response to questions by Members. Presently, we are in the midst of very sensitive and fragile negotiations with the federal government on division. The aboriginal groups in the territories are in the midst of sensitive and fragile negotiations on self-government. The EARP panel is deciding the fate of diamond mining in the Northwest Territories. It is very important that the people of the Northwest Territories are kept fully informed on the drastic changes which will soon be upon us.

Quebec is one good example. If Quebec leaves, it not only affects the people of Quebec, it affects all of us here in the territories. One-third of the population of Canada live in Quebec. Will the remaining two-thirds be as willing to bankroll the north or will we be overwhelmed in the constitutional and economic chaos that will inevitably follow.

If Quebec doesn't leave -- I sincerely hope it doesn't and I don't believe it will -- there will still be drastic changes to Canada as we know it. If the federal government decentralizes -- and that is what Paul Martin is talking about; its authority in Health, Social Services and Education -- the central government becomes much weaker with less resources. We will find it more difficult to protect the north. If Quebec doesn't leave, inevitably there are going to be new constitutional discussions. Each province is looking after their own interests. For the first time ever, the province of Ontario is not looking from a national perspective. They are looking at it from their own perspective. We could be gobbled up by the provinces.

Members will recall the intense debates in the north about whether or not provinces could move into the territories. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Ballantyne.

We haven't discussed it since Charlottetown, but the reality is we are extremely vulnerable. The reason many of us worked hard for Charlottetown and the Charlottetown accord is because it did protect the Northwest Territories and the Constitution of Canada. There is nothing now that protects us. When we are carrying out these constitutional discussions here in the west, the whole concept of division across the territories, it has to be done in the context of a country which is changing so rapidly that we aren't keeping up with it.

So I expect that this government should be very proactive. This government has a responsibility to lay out, in every forum and opportunity possible to the people of the Northwest Territories, those things which are happening in the country which are going to impact us, which will make our decisions tougher and are going to take away our choices. I also think we have a responsibility to tell the powers that be, whether they are Premiers or Cabinet Ministers that, whatever happens in southern Canada, it will have a dramatic effect on us. We can't just sit on our hands in the Northwest Territories.

I have said it before in this House and I will say it again: I hope to hear from government Ministers on exactly how we are going to deal with all of this. If we don't do something, it will inevitably be death by 1,000 cuts. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

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

How long ago?

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

The honourable Member for North Slave is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Zoe.

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I would like to talk to you about is using our mother language. Today I would like to talk about the importance of one's culture. This government has talked a lot about the importance of languages and culture. On June 28, 1984, we passed the Official Languages Act (Translation ends) which created eight official languages, six of which are aboriginal. It is an indication of the many cultures here in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, in this day and age, there are still incidents which occur every day somewhere in the north where language barriers still exist. Mr. Speaker, one such incident has been brought to my attention and I feel it must be brought to the attention of the Legislative Assembly. This particular incident occurred when court proceedings were being held in Fort Liard. The circumstances surrounding this incident could have been a factor in this case. You see, Mr. Speaker, the court that was held in Fort Liard was held in the community airport hangar because of the lack of a community hall, and this will be the subject of another statement later.

As a result, Mr. Speaker, the facility was inadequate. Regardless of the facility, this cannot justify having an individual compromise his or her speaking the language with which they are most comfortable. Mr. Speaker, what has been most disturbing about the incident was the individual, Mr. Betsaka of Nahanni Butte, was outrightly denied his request to speak his choice of language without explanation by the presiding judge.

Mr. Speaker, the judge's decision to deny Mr. Betsaka's right to speak Slavey undermines the efforts of all who have worked toward enhancing the justice system so all can be comfortable and all have the right to procedural fairness. Mr. Speaker, this case was heard by the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, I believe, and the presiding judge's decision to deny Mr. Betsaka's request to speak Slavey, thus denying procedural fairness, resulted in a denial of natural justice. Now a new preliminary inquiry has been ordered for Mr. Betsaka.

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

The honourable Member for Nahendeh is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Betsaka and all other aboriginal people who wish to speak their mother tongue in all Legislative Assembly and court proceedings must be assured that they can speak the language they are most comfortable with. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I moved from the eastern Arctic to Fort Smith in 1972, Mr. Speaker, I was involved in the teacher education program. I remember looking at the list of people who were supposed to show up that fall and one of them never did, and I often wondered who he was. I met him many years later. His name was Paul Andrew. People said he would have been a wonderful person to have gone into the education system because of the kind of individual he was.

I'm now convinced, after watching Focus North for several years, Mr. Speaker, that, in fact, he probably is the best teacher in the Northwest Territories. I was fortunate enough to have watched Focus North a night ago in which Mr. Antoine, you, Mr. Speaker, and Mr. Zoe were being interviewed and I was impressed by the fact that this powerful television medium reaches so many people in their own language and that the way we learn about ourselves is probably best done through that program, Focus North. It has dealt with many, many important northern issues over the years. I have often wondered if it has been given awards for the kind of work it does.

Today, Mr. Speaker, although from time to time I have bashed the media and gotten upset -- not really upset, but annoyed -- about what goes on, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Andrew and to the kind of work he does and particularly to Focus North for teaching us about ourselves. Thank you.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mrs. Marie-Jewell. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud and happy to announce that my wife, Susie, and I will have a first-hand opportunity to experience the custom adoption recognition procedures of our government.

On Monday, February 13th, at 6:04 am, Bradley Trenton Akalukak Akhok was delivered at the Cambridge Bay Health Centre, weighing in at 7 pounds 10 ounces. The natural parents are Susie's younger brother, William Nakashook and Rosalyn Akhok. Both Susie, our children and I are extremely happy and excited on the addition of Trenton to our family.

Although it us customary to hand out cigars to celebrate the arrival of an addition to a family, I've decided at this time not to follow this tradition for a few reasons. Firstly, I do not want to be perceived as encouraging smoking by providing free cigars. Secondly, most people given these cigars waste them by throwing them away and not smoking them. Finally, I didn't think that the tax revenue from my cigar purchases would make any significant dent on the territorial or federal coffers.

---Laughter

However, having now said this, I recognize that that decision may open me to criticism from my colleagues and friends about being frugal, or the tightness of my wallet. I have instead decided, Mr. Speaker, to write a cheque in the amount of $300 to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of providing cigars.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to express my sincere sympathy, with my home community of Baker Lake, over the tragic loss of a young but capable hunter, Moses Anautalik.

Moses set forth on a short hunting trip, but when storm conditions unexpectedly arose, he became the centre of a large search coordinated by the Baker Lake Search and Rescue Committee. As is often the case in crises, this crisis brought out the best in the residents of the Keewatin. The entire community of Baker Lake participated in the search for Moses by either physically searching, preparing food and support for those searching, soliciting cash donations to cover the cost of the search, and/or by praying for Moses' safe return.

When the community was exhausted yet unwilling to give up, people began arriving from Rankin Inlet and Arviat to assist with the search. The participation of searchers from these other communities boosted the morale of all those involved. And on behalf of all Baker Lake residents, I want to say thank you to these individuals.

Also to be commended are Robert Jaynes and the staff of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs emergency measures organization at the regional and headquarters level, the RCMP, Canadian Forces Northern Area, the GNWT's Department of Renewable Resources, the Rescue Coordination Centre of the Canadian Forces that sent a twin otter and a crew from Trenton, Ontario to assist in the search, and all those individuals who contributed financially to keep this search operational.

I would like to thank the Northern stores and the Sanavik Co-op for supplying food. I especially want to thank Nunasi Corporation which donated $30,000 to ensure that the search planes would be able to continue searching for up to an extra week after the RCMP had called off their air search.

Above all, however, it is the residents of Baker Lake who should be commended for their dedication and their willingness to search for days in the hopes of rescuing Moses.

Mr. Speaker, although this search ended tragically, it was a fine example of the kindness of people and the willingness of individuals, businesses and various levels of government to pull together in a time of crisis. This incident also highlights the need for emergency shelters on the tundra and for an official policy on funding once the RCMP have fulfilled their initial mandate. I spoke with Eric Anautalik, who is the brother of Moses, this morning and he once again expresses his appreciation to all those who were involved. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Arngna'naaq. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ningark, the

honourable Member for Natilikmiot, with regard to the request for a high school in Gjoa Haven.

The Kitikmeot Divisional Board of Education plans to introduce grade 10 into Gjoa Haven in August 1995. There is space in the school to accommodate both the anticipated number of elementary students, as well as the number of students expected to attend grade 10 in August. The five-year capital plan includes construction of additional space for the school in future years.

The Kitikmeot Divisional Board of Education, together with the department, has identified the need for two staff housing units for the additional teachers needed in 1995. The Department of Personnel and the NWT Housing Corporation have identified six vacant housing units in Gjoa Haven which may be allocated to staff in the community. The Kitikmeot Divisional Board of Education and the department will work to ensure that the allocation of two housing units for teaching staff in Gjoa Haven be given priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Nerysoo. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by the honourable Mr. Ningark on February 16th with respect to shortage of O and M funding for recreational facilities.

The operations and maintenance funding for recreational facilities is incorporated into the hamlet funding formula under the municipal operating assistance policy. This policy was implemented in 1992.

All municipalities are funded for utility costs for recreational facilities on the same basis as other public buildings. Funding for utility costs is based on an average of the last three years of actual costs.

Other operations and maintenance costs are funded under the hamlet funding formula at levels consistent with office building maintenance. In addition, salary subsidies are provided for a recreation leader and facility operator to assist communities in ensuring facilities are well utilized and properly maintained.

Several years ago, a study was done to determine if recreation funding was adequate in Coppermine and Cambridge Bay. The study revealed that the gap between costs and revenues, primarily composed of GNWT contributions, was not as large as generally believed. It is noteworthy that this study was undertaken prior to the implementation of the municipal operating assistance policy, under which funding levels were improved.

The department is willing to look at specific cases and work with communities that are experiencing financial difficulties in operating facilities, but believes the funding provided under the various programs is sufficient to operate recreational facilities if the buildings are operated effectively and efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I might refer this to the Minister of Finance who can give you a response.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, that study is under way. Enid Slack from Ontario was hired to do the particular study, and I anticipate getting some early results in September, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Member is questioning who the consultants are speaking to, then they're speaking to senior managers of the department, some MLAs, some Cabinet Members, some community representatives such as mayors and senior administrative officers, the Association of Municipal Administrators and other stakeholders. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's anticipated that a draft report will be available by March 15th, at which time there will be a final review by the steering committee before it goes to Cabinet, and hopefully can be tabled in this House in early April. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'll make that available to Members. Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don't have that information at hand, but I will include that information along with the terms of reference for the Member. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear today the statement from the Minister of Renewable Resources. Mr. Speaker, Minister Arngna'naaq said, and I quote, "it's our objective in both the environmental assessment of the BHP diamond mine project and the Slave geological province regional study, to promote exploration and development of mineral resources in ways that provide lasting social and economic benefits to northerners while preserving the environment." I could say it's a very good statement and I think it's very important that, as a government, we do promote mineral development because if we don't exploit our mineral resources, we're doomed to be a long-term welfare state, I believe.

My question to the Minister is, is the Minister aware that in the setting up of the EARP panel, there were unnecessary delays? Is the Minister satisfied that the panel has the sufficient resources to be able to carry out their work in the 18-months' time that has been allotted to them? Thank you.

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Under the resources that the panel will have, I believe that there are contributions being made by the federal government as well as by the Government of the Northwest Territories on support being given to the panel. I believe that the resources that they will have at their disposal will be sufficient to cover the work that they will be doing. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you. I think we all agree, Mr. Speaker, that we want the panel to do a good job, to do a thorough job and to do an objective job within that time frame, because I think that time frame is long enough for them to achieve their review. My second to the question to the Minister has to do with the Slave geological province regional study. I think we all agree that that baseline data is necessary . My question to the Minister: do you think that there is enough of a distinction between these two studies, that they don't run into each other and that the Slave province study slows down the BHP diamond mine project study? Thank you.

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the work that is being done by the environmental assessment review panel and the regional study that is being done by a consortium of groups will not hinder the process which the environmental assessment review panel is working on. There may be some insights that we'll get from the regional study that will be done; however, I do not foresee that the regional study is slowing down the process of the environmental assessment review panel. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we all acknowledge the importance of both of these studies, and I think all of us are very strongly committed that any new mine uses the most modern environmental technology possible. I would like to ask the Minister if he will give an undertaking to do whatever he can do to ensure that both these studies are done in an objective, professional way and that they're not pushed around by ideological, political reasons by either the mining industry or by the environmental groups out there across the country. Thank you.

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that the panel that has been created has started work. I believe at the present time they have received the environmental impact statements and they are presently going into these scoping sessions which will identify the communities that could be affected by the project. The purpose of these scoping sessions will be to provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the project and the panel's work, and help to identify issues and receive public comments on the draft environmental impact statements or guidelines that have been created. I believe that the individuals who have been selected for the panel are going to be able to carry out their work without being pressured to go in whatever direction either the mining companies or the environmental groups or the governments would like to see them go in. I think they will be able to carry out their mandate in the period of time that that has been allotted, and will be able to give an objective report.

As far as the regional study is concerned, I believe the work that is going to be done by the regional study includes enough groups and organizations in the Northwest Territories and across Canada that they will be able to come up with information to assist any new development that will take place in the Slave geological province. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't agree that will happen. However, I will review the concern that the honourable Member has raised and see if we can deal fairly with the matter and try to respond to the concerns of the separate school board and Yellowknife District No. 1 as fairly as possible.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not certain we can deal with it in the next two weeks. We will deal with it in the context of trying to respond to financial requirements for the upcoming school year. In that context, I'm not certain if we can resolve it in the next two weeks, but I will report back to the honourable Member about the issue. Again, I can't guarantee that there will be a satisfactory resolution but we will try to do the best we can in solving the concern the honourable Member has raised.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot commit to the honourable Member in terms of retroactivity. What I can commit to the honourable Member is that I will make sure that the ongoing financing situation is responsive to the educational program needs of the students in this community. As is the case in other circumstances, we have made changes to school financing across the Northwest Territories. We believe it is much fairer than it used to be. If there are specific circumstances, as the honourable Member has raised, then we can now deal more appropriately with those situations because we now have, I believe, a fairer system across the board.

In terms of retroactivity, I can tell the honourable Member that I cannot guarantee that that will be dealt with but what I will address is the issue of how to address students from outside the municipality and whether we can provide the necessary financing for those students. I do want to raise one concern that I think the honourable Member should be aware of and that is, what effect this will have in other situations across the north, if any. That, in my view, is something that has to be dealt with. We will try to deal with it as fairly as possible.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Justice. It is with regard to the Member's statement I made today where a Dene person was denied the use of his language in the justice system, in a preliminary inquiry. As a result, the Supreme Court ordered a new preliminary inquiry. What is the policy of the Department of Justice with regard to using aboriginal languages in courts? Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Justice if he could tell the House if aboriginal languages may be used in all court proceedings? Mahsi.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the case I mentioned, the point I raised is that the use of aboriginal languages is, as the Minister indicated, the right of aboriginal people in all government affairs and in the courts. Were there not court interpreters available at this court hearing? I guess the question is why did this happen? Was there not an interpreter available for this preliminary inquiry hearing? Mahsi.

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Renewable Resources. Mr. Speaker, this morning I brought up the case of five live wood buffalo being exported by the Department of Renewable Resources down south for the purposes of auction. I would like to ask the Minister if his department was able to stop this export of live wood bison south? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I approached my deputy minister this morning, my staff were on their way to bring in some trailers which were to be used to bring the bison south. We will be putting a stop to the transporting of bison at the present time. Thank you.

Thank you. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

I thank the Minister for stopping the process. Mr. Speaker, can I ask the Minister if he can ensure that his department staff will undertake community consultation with regard to the exportation of live wood bison?

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the concern that the Member has raised, I have put a stop to the transportation of bison at this present time. I think that the direction the department was taking is the direction that we should take a careful look at. I have said that we should put a stop to this. However, we should continue to talk about it and see what direction we can take with it. One of the consultations that will be made will be with the residents of Fort Smith. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Subsequent to the Member's statement I made earlier, I will direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services. In the absence of the Minister, since this matter is urgent, I will direct my question to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Mr. Speaker, when I talked about establishing a birthing centre in my area, I am not saying that expectant mothers should stay in the community. Quite the contrary, Mr. Speaker. I think it is very important that those expectant mothers with a history of complications, should continue to use the medical centre, here in Yellowknife. But for low-risk mothers, Mr. Speaker...The Minister has been advised by Taloyoak of the desire for a community birthing centre. Can the Minister give a date of when the community will receive notification of when the government will support this centre? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Finance, Mr. Pollard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will take the question as notice. Thank you.

Thank you. The question was taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Zoe.

Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Zoe.

Minister Kakfwi.