Mr. Chairman, the status quo that the Member suggests I am defending is, in fact, what I thought this Legislative Assembly and this Cabinet has always endorsed, which is to deal with all the issues in a comprehensive manner, that takes into full account all the elements that relate to it. So when we talk about Justice and aboriginal languages, it is always suggested that we take a comprehensive full-scope view of issues before we start acting. It was that message that was so resoundingly endorsed by this new Cabinet and Legislature in 1991 that led to the formation of this ministry.

In the standing committee, the Members suggest there are some functions that should be looked at, and that we should look at expanding the Ottawa office. I accepted those good suggestions but the Members and I have to substantiate why. We can't just put one or more people in there, we have to be able to substantiate to each other what it is we're trying to do. There is no difficulty in looking at how the Ottawa office is now and the tasks they are to deliver to see what kinds of changes we should make.

What we don't want to do is simply make changes without solid reasons for it. The Premier has the power to give, take away and divide up portfolios as she sees fit, but even the Premier has to be able to rationalize why she would do that. If she decides, after a full commitment to a comprehensive approach, to separate the intergovernmental function, then she has to be able to articulate why. She articulated clearly why she was wedded to the comprehensive approach in 1991 so if there is reason for change at this time, then it's probably to make sure that she has it if she is going to take up the suggestion by this committee.

There are questions about what other things we do. Well, one of the functions of the Ottawa office, of course, is to keep abreast of issues and developments across this country that would have an effect on this government and the people of the Northwest Territories. The developments of the Parti Quebecois and the separatist movement is a case in point. I think even with one person monitoring in Ottawa, it still requires those of us up here to do our part in trying to develop our own perspective as things develop almost on a daily basis.

We know that issues such as the fishing dispute with the European community has some relevance to issues up here and when it first came out, it wasn't that clear. The more we monitored it and kept abreast of daily developments, it became clear that we have some interest. For instance, we recently injected the fur issue into that debate and brought it to the attention to the federal Ministers and our Members of Parliament.

It is by monitoring and keeping in touch with government officials, that brings the value of these positions to my attention, at least. Some things we get advice on. We get impressions of whether the referendum in Quebec is going to be delayed, what the rift between Parizeau and Bouchard is, and what other dynamics there are in the business community of Quebec. These are all things we have ongoing discussions about and, as I said, it is not black and white. It is important that we keep interested and keep monitoring it. Thank you.