In the board's latest efforts to achieve autonomy, the attempts were being made to assume total responsibility of capital projects in the Deh Cho region. One such project was the renovation and addition to the Deh Gah Elementary/Secondary School in the Deh Cho region.

Mr. Speaker, education must be given priority in their endeavours to build and maintain the best learning environment for our children and those wishing to continue their education. The GNWT must also be consistent with their assistance as well. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.

I have another return to an oral question, Mr. Speaker, if I may proceed. It's an oral question asked by Mr. Zoe on March 27th, the plan of action -Mackenzie Regional Health Board. Mr. Speaker, the department is exploring the possibility of a health board for both the Deh Cho and Dogrib areas. Discussions are under way with the Dogrib Divisional Board of Education on an interesting proposal which could result in a new governance structure for the Dogrib region. A form of social council would have responsibility for all programs in the social envelope including Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Employment, and community justice within the Department of Justice. This combined board of management for all social programs was suggested by the Dogrib Divisional Board of Education as a way of dealing with increased costs and as a way of providing one board with responsibility for those programs which have the greatest social impact on the community.

Mr. Speaker, discussions are under way with the Deh Cho Tribal Council about the establishment of a health board for the Deh Cho region. A meeting is planned for mid-April in the Deh Cho to explore the project in more detail. The Tribal Council has been informed that the department would like to see a model similar to that being discussed for the Dogrib region. I am confident that we can come up with a solution to this problem by the fall of 1995. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Patterson on March 27, 1995 with regard to selection of consultants used by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The department has entered into 32 consulting contracts since April 1, 1994, two of which were awarded to Avery Cooper Consulting. These two contracts were for a review of the interpreter/translator program and the evaluation of school/student accommodation services. Thank you.

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

Mr. Whitford, you have half a minute, but your time is up. So, do you want unanimous consent? Mr. Whitford.

En Francais.

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

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health. In February 1994, Mr. Ballantyne and I asked questions about the review of pay scales for dental therapists and public health nurses. Both groups were involved in a transfer of health services from the federal government to this government and these groups were led to believe that there would be a review of their pay levels and probably some reclassification.

In February 1994, the then Minister of Health, Mr. Pollard, stated that he would review these issues and report back to this House by June or July of 1994. Mr. Speaker, it is now March 1995 and I'm not aware of what has been done to resolve these issues. So my question to the Minister of Health is what is the status of the review of the classification and pay rates of dental therapists and public health nurses?

Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to be more specific in my reply to the honourable Member. However, since there are collective agreement negotiations going on, I don't think it's the proper time to discuss any detail of the review, although I would like to let the Member know that we've done considerable work on those two particular positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Can I ask the Minister, through supplementary, what time frame she is looking at to review this, especially the issue of dental therapists?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I've been advised that once a collective agreement has been signed off, the department can conclude the work on the two professions the Member has asked about. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

May I ask the Minister, then, what is the status of the collective agreement negotiations? When is this supposedly going to be resolved?

Ms. Cournoyea.