Mr. Speaker, we were in the process of the budget preparation and I didn't think it appropriate, since I had been already dealing with the issues that were being dealt with at that time, that both the very able Mr. Arngna'naaq and Mr. Ng had two major portfolios and I felt that it was important that they get the focus around those portfolios. As far as I was concerned, the portfolios I was managing, although large, were manageable. I will just explain to you what those portfolios are because I think sometimes we have a lot of lines on our portfolios but it doesn't necessarily mean that the lines of responsibilities are bigger than some other departmental responsibilities.
In terms of the portfolios that I have right now, they are the Power Corporation, Personnel, Department of Health and Social Services and the Status of Women. Mr. Speaker, the Power Corporation is at arm's length from government and has a corporate strategy and a plan, and it is not a time-consuming responsibility. Although I was heavily involved with the Dogrib Nation in terms of the hydro power project to help get things moving in that area, it is not necessarily a day-to-day time-consuming activity.
The Department of Personnel was downsized when a large part of its operation was consolidated into the Financial Management Board. The women's advisory liaises with women's groups throughout the NWT and administers a grant. That's what they do.
From a departmental perspective, the only major responsibility relates to the Department of Health and Social Services. This responsibility is manageable and I don't find it burdensome, based on the experience I've had with this portfolio on previous occasions. With the directions established in Health and Social Services, I felt it best to assume responsibility rather than place one or two new Cabinet Members in the position of finalizing, consolidating and implementing the community wellness strategy in the few months left before the fall session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.