Stephen Kakfwi Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple of comments. One, there is a process in place now to review the legal aid program. We are putting some new tariffs and restrictions in place to control the escalating costs of legal aid. I should also point out again to the Members that the way I see this process working, especially with the Standing Committee on Finance, is they have made it fairly clear, especially in their discussions with the Minister of Finance, where they think this government should be going and what corrective measures they want us to take in carrying out our jobs as Ministers of government.

I would like to think that most of the recommendations and demands that are passed on to this government are dealt with promptly and done in a satisfactory manner. This particular recommendation is one that hasn't been resolved yet. I would think that if the federal budget had been brought down sooner and we knew with certainty what remaining programs were going to be cut or terminated, it would have been much easier for us to act sooner in dealing with this recommendation. It has been unfortunate that that hasn't happened.

By no means do I want to discourage Members from voicing their strong concerns and support for this particular recommendation because it is a way to certainly get a message across to myself and other Ministers of the government. It will certainly let the public know what the views are of ordinary Members. Thank you.

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Minister. General comments. The chair recognizes the honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. We have a motion to defer. To the motion.

The Chair Tony Whitford

Question has been called. We don't have a quorum so I will sound the bell.

The Chair Tony Whitford

I asked twice and nobody put their hand up. I'm told the motion is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

The Department of Justice is deferred to a future date for discussion. What is the wish of the committee? The chair recognizes Mr. Dent.

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Mr. Chairman, I move we report progress.

The Chair Tony Whitford

We have a motion to report progress on the floor which is not debatable. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you. I shall rise and report to the Speaker.

The Chair Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 1 and Committee Report 4-12(7) and would like to report progress with three motions being adopted. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of committee of the whole be concurred with.