WHEREAS federal funding for official language services has been substantially reduced by the Government of Canada for the 1995-96 fiscal year;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to reviewing priorities in all official languages programs but has not completed that review;

AND WHEREAS some departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories have already made decisions to reduce vote 4 funding for official languages programs, but some departments and vote 4 official language programs have not been reduced;

AND WHEREAS there is considerable concern about reductions planned in the legal interpreters program of the Department of Justice and its possible harmful effects on the rights of accused and the overall administration of justice;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre that this Assembly recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories proceed as soon as possible with its overall review of all official languages programs in cooperation with NWT organizations with an interest in official languages;

AND FURTHER that this Assembly recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories in cooperation with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly review the effectiveness and cost of official languages services provided for the Legislative Assembly. Thank you.