Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the Members of this House of the contribution to the administration of justice being made by a remarkable northern family.

On December 4, 1994, Constable Adolphus Norris became a member of the RCMP and joined his two brothers, Wayne and Fred, who became members in 1986 and 1988 respectively.

Constable Wayne Norris and Constable Fred Norris are currently serving here in Yellowknife, while Constable Adolphus Norris has been posted to Fort McPherson.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris brothers are the children of Eunice Norris, who currently lives in Inuvik. Their father, Fred Norris Sr., who moved to Inuvik from Fort McMurray in 1930, passed away in 1981.

In addition to the contributions of the three brothers to the RCMP, the Norris family is also represented in the Department of Justice by their sister, Vina Norris, who is the executive secretary to the assistant deputy minister responsible for the Solicitor General branch.

Mr. Speaker, the Norris family has been, and still are, strong role models for northern families and young people in particular, in demonstrating that they should be looking to the justice system in their search for careers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hear many muted mutterings about the dangers of the Recall Act. Some people are talking as though it is an outlandish idea, even though it has been considered seriously as a contribution to the accountability of politicians.

I find it especially unusual that some of the mutterings are coming from Cabinet Ministers, not ordinary Members. I find this very unusual. The only people who are not subject to recall in this House, at the moment, are ordinary Members. I found general support among ordinary Members for the principle of the bill.

Every day when we are sitting in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, Cabinet Ministers are subject to recall. On any one day, a Member of Cabinet could be removed by a simple majority of Members in this Chamber. That is a form of recall. And I don't think it is unconstitutional, but maybe the government wants to look at that too. It is very simple, very transparent, all Members in the House can vote, there is no secret ballot. If the majority of Members want a Cabinet Minister to join the ranks of the ordinary Members, all Members have to do is to stick up their hands in support of the motion to remove a Minister and that Minister is history -- at least for the moment.

No one seems to question this practice. It seems to be accepted as an entrenched part of our system. Even in the various proposals to legislate more powers for the Premier, recall, unfortunately, would still exist. Even if she wanted to keep a Minister, there is nothing planned in the legislation to remove the power of the Members to still recall if they wanted to. We already have recall, at least the principle of it, Mr. Speaker, so I wonder why we're muttering about it.

Even in the legislation to give powers to the Premier to remove a Member, the House would still have to be brought together to choose a new Member and there would be nothing stopping Members from putting the same Member back into the Cabinet that the Premier just removed.

The only real power in this House is the will of the majority of the Members and that's the basic principle behind recall. Whoever gives you power has the right to take it away. The only way to be accountable in this Assembly would be to...

Mr. Lewis, your time is up. Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Speaker, it is very unusual that I ask for the indulgence of Members but I would like to have permission to finish my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've been talking about accountability for a long time, Mr. Speaker, and the only way of improving accountability in this Assembly is to give the Premier power to choose Members of Cabinet and to fire Members of Cabinet. The principle would remain the same then because whoever gives the power would then have the right to take it away. You would still have the principle but at least you would know exactly what the principle is. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the report of the first constitutional conference for the new western territory. The conference, which took place from the 18th to the 22nd of January was an enormous success. It generated a spirit of mutual respect and willingness to work together among people from all 34 communities of the western Northwest Territories, men and women, aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, young and old.

It was a big step closer to creating a new constitution and system of government for the western territories. It also sent a strong message to the federal and territorial governments that the people in the west are united in our purpose. The Constitutional Development Steering Committee received a clear mandate to continue to guide the western constitutional process to a second constitutional conference.

As chair of the Constitutional Development Steering Committee, I would like to advise this House that we are now in the process of negotiating our funding for this fiscal year with the federal and territorial governments. Despite economic realities, and we know money is very tight for both the federal and territorial governments, I am confident we can reach a funding agreement that will allow the CDSC to effectively continue the constitutional process.

In the meantime, the federal government has agreed to provide interim funding for the months of April and May while we continue negotiating. I take this as a very positive sign that there is federal support for our process. In the first six to nine months of this year, the CDSC will be coordinating the constitutional research that was identified at the conference. From this research, a constitutional options paper will be produced. It will be the main focus of discussion at the second constitutional conference.

We are planning to involve public advisory groups in the research process to ensure that the research reflects northern realities and includes northern input.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

The Member for Inuvik is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. The constitutional options paper will be available well in advance of the conference so regions, communities and individuals can become familiar with it and have a chance to discuss it. Throughout the coming year, there will be regular public information as research information becomes available. CDSC member groups will also be involved in helping to keep people in the western Northwest Territories informed.

I would like to thank the western Members of this House for their active involvement in the first conference and their contribution to its success. I would also like to thank the Nunavut Members for their continuing support. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 1995 marks a major milestone in the history of the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. For 25 years, hundreds of Iqaluit youths have received valuable lessons in aviation and good citizenship while wearing the air cadet uniform. The Iqaluit squadron was formed in 1970 to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, to stimulate the interest of youth in the air element of the Canadian armed forces, to promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aeronautics and to assist those intending to pursue a career in the field of aviation.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, the 795 Iqaluit squadron trains up to four or five times a week. The aim of the training is to build better Canadian citizens by encouraging the young people of Iqaluit to invest their spare time in activities that would be of future benefit, both to themselves and their community. Although the cadets are part of a well-controlled and disciplined group, it should be clearly understood that the training is completely voluntary and involves absolutely no military commitments.

The training program is based on the study of aviation and associated subjects which are not only of great interest to youth but, in these times, are of considerable importance to Canada. In the air cadets, young people are given a chance to develop valuable qualities of leadership and for those who attend regularly and display the proper cadet spirit, the program offers a host of interesting and worthwhile training opportunities. In short, air cadet training provides young people with a rewarding outlet for their best efforts.

The 25th annual inspection to be held in Iqaluit on May 27th will mark the completion of what has been another excellent year for the squadron, a year that started last September with the squadron being presented with the following awards: the Air Cadet League of Canada trophy for best squadron in the NWT and Yukon; the Stuart M. Hodgson trophy for best cadet unit in the Northwest Territories; and, the Canadian Forces northern area trophy for best cadet unit in the NWT and Yukon.

The squadron has been under the command of Lieutenant Pat Murphy since November of 1993. Pat was training officer with the unit for one year prior to his appointment as commanding officer.

I would like to request unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The training officer of the squadron is Captain John Graham, who has been with the Iqaluit unit since 1985. Graham was administration officer for one year until his appointment as commanding officer in 1986. Graham was commanding officer until November 1993 when he turned over command to Pat Murphy. Mr. Graham continues his service with the unit in the capacity of training officer.

The administration officer of the squadron is Civilian Instructor Pat Patrick, who is in his third year of service with the unit. The supply officer is Second Lieutenant Frank Bumstead who has served in the position for four years. The range safety officer is Civilian Instructor Sean MacIntosh who is serving in his first year with the squadron. The senior cadets are: Warrant Officer, First Class, Tim Cucheran; Warrant Officer, Second Class, Michael Salomonie; Flight Sergeants Leo Twerdin and Aron Hirschman; and, Sergeant Ooloo Geetah.

The backbone of the 795 Iqaluit squadron is their sponsor, Royal Canadian Legion, Frobisher Bay Branch No. 4. Legion support of the 795 squadron has been unparalleled throughout the past 25 years. This support confirms the commitment of the branch to the community and, in particular, the air cadet program. This commitment was certainly demonstrated with the construction three years ago of the new $1.2 million air cadet training facility. Congratulations are due to President Dwayne MacIntosh and his executive for their ongoing commitment to the squadron.

It took vision, wisdom and energy to form the 795 Iqaluit Squadron 25 years ago. It has required an enormous voluntary effort and the support of many public-spirited citizens, including the former commanding officers Captain Gerry Morgan, the first CO, 1970-76; Captain Hubert Janszen, 1976-77; Captain Ken Watchorn, 1977-81; Lieutenant Ezio Del-Deggan, 1982-83; Lieutenant Mike Parsons, 1983-85; Lieutenant Shawn Meehan, 1985-86; Capital John Graham, 1986-93; and, long-time sponsor, committee chairman Andy Theriault. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, I'll be speaking with regard to the legal interpreting program being quashed. This is a very useful program for having interpreters in the courts. There are many people with a first language other than English. This course was going to be very useful to the justice system in the Northwest Territories, but we have learned that this program is going to be eliminated. We use interpreters quite often, and the legal interpreting program is going to be eliminated. In the justice system, we require interpreters at all times. I have quite a few problems if this program is going to be eliminated, and I will be asking questions with regard to this program to the Minister of Justice.

Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Whitford.

Thank you, Mr. Whitford. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I talked about the need in this government and Legislative Assembly to provide energetic and innovative leadership, a team NWT approach to get our economy on the move.

Today I want to talk about a very serious issue that reinforces my belief that we really have to do something and that's the whole issue of financing of division. I've been involved in this process as have many people in this House for many, many years. I remember Mr. Patterson, Mr. Kakfwi and myself in many, many meetings over the years always had a very fundamental understanding -- as did groups, aboriginal leaders in the east and in the west, the federal government, and our Cabinet and MLAs -- that there would be adequate funding to maintain the same level of programs after division so that the two new territories would have a very good chance to be successful. But I'm getting progressively more concerned as to whether or not that commitment is still there with the federal government.

I am one who has been on the record since 1982 as supporting the aspirations of the people of Nunavut for division, and I certainly don't want to see division sidetracked because there's not enough money. I'm also one who thinks it's very, very important that after division and in the years leading up to division, we maintain harmonious and cooperative relationships between the people of Nunavut and the people of the west. I really don't want to see a civil war erupt over diminishing revenues to support and sustain Nunavut and a western territory.

So I think it's very, very important that aboriginal leaders in the west and in the east, our Legislative Assembly and our Cabinet work very closely together in this particular issue and make it very clear to the federal government that unless there is adequate funding for division, there are going to be some serious problems in our constitutional development here in the Northwest Territories. I would like our government to take leadership in this area, and see what we can do to ensure there's unanimity of approach towards the federal government to make sure we can afford two new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

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

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 30th concerning policy regarding funding for personal care facilities in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, on March 30, 1995, the honourable Member for Thebacha asked about how fees for seniors living in personal care facilities are determined. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that residents of personal care facilities are charged only for room and board. Residents of personal care facilities do not pay for the services or care they receive. However, the room and board fees are currently based on the level of care required. The room and board fees charged to residents receiving level 1 and 2 care, or "personal care," is $380 a month. People requiring level 1 care are fairly independent, but may require some guidance or supervision with activities of daily living. At level 2, people are able to get around safely with or without aides, are able to assist in dressing and feeding, and are usually continent. The rate for people requiring personal care is indexed to the consumer price index and increases annually.

The room and board charges for persons receiving level 3 and 4 care, or "nursing home" care, in either a facility or extended care unit in a hospital is determined by the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act. A person requiring level 3 care requires more than assistance and supervision, and is usually not continent. At level 4, a person requires regular and continuous medical attention on a 24 hour basis.

Residents requiring level 3 and 4 care are required to pay the total amount received through monthly pensions received under the Old Age Security Act, and a monthly allowance paid under the Northwest Territories Senior Citizens Benefits Act. This would be less $75 which residents retain for personal comforts. This results in a maximum room and board charge of $895. This amount is adjusted with the quarterly rate changes in old-age security and guaranteed income supplement payments.

Facilities cannot charge more than these rates for room and board to residents.

Mr. Speaker, the former Department of Social Services was responsible for people requiring personal care, and the former Department of Health was responsible for people requiring nursing home care. That is why we currently have these two different methods of determining room and board charges. This is confusing for both families and residents, and unfair, since residents can pay different amounts for the same room and board. In 1995-96, the Department of Health and Social Services plans to implement a single fee for residents of personal care facilities, multi-level care facilities, and long term care.

Mr. Speaker, I have another return, if I may proceed.

Proceed, Ms. Cournoyea.

It is a return to a question asked by Mr. Titus Allooloo on March 28th, regarding lapses under the languages agreement.

Mr. Allooloo asked about money lapsed under the 1993-94 budget for the Canada-NWT cooperation agreement for French and aboriginal languages and why this money was not used to contract consulting services.

Contract dollars were available under the 1993-94 French language budget, however, these contract dollars were to be used specifically for research on delivery models for French language services.

Due to difficulties in finding a qualified candidate, the project start date was delayed, resulting in a budget lapse of $63,671.

Though the lapse was forecast in advance of the end of the fiscal year, the terms of the past languages agreement were such that there was little flexibility to transfer funding.

The current languages agreement allows much more flexibility to transfer funds as needs arise. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a question asked by Mr. Koe on April 3, 1995, concerning the status of collective bargaining with the UNW in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW have been unable to negotiate a collective agreement. In January 1995, the parties met, with Mr. Vince Ready acting as a facilitator. The Government of the Northwest Territories and the UNW were unable to agree on the major salary, benefits and hours of work issues. Mr. Ready suggested that both parties proceed to arbitration.

Agreement has now been reached with the GNWT to appoint Mr. Vince Ready and Mr. Duncan Stewart as co-arbitrators, pursuant to section 41.5 of the Public Service Act. The arbitrators will have all the powers and authority of arbitrators under the Arbitration Act.

Pre-hearing briefs will be exchanged between the parties on April 28, 1995 with copies submitted to the arbitrators. Rebuttal briefs will be exchanged on May 5, 1995. The arbitration hearing will occur on May 9 and 10, 1995. The arbitrators will have up to three months to make an award that will set the terms for the new collective agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on authority for collecting damage deposits by local housing authorities.

The authority to collect damage or security deposits is provided by section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act. The handling of security deposits is regulated by sections 15 to 18 of this act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

I am happy to see that Ben McDonald is back, Mr. Speaker. Ben McDonald with the Union of Northern Workers.

---Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Justice with regard to the legal interpreting program funds that were cut. Mr. Speaker, most Members are aware that there is a study now being done with the firm of Avery Cooper & Co., which was hired to conduct a review of all interpreter/translator programs in the government.

Currently there are three government departments that deal with interpreters and translators. Arctic College is one, under Education, Culture and Employment; Health; and, Justice. But this particular question is for the Minister of Justice. Obviously, this report would contain recommendations regarding the legal interpreting program in the Department of Justice; however, a decision has been made to cut the legal interpreting program when this report is not yet complete. So I would like to ask the Minister why was this decision to cut this legal interpreting program made in isolation of the global picture this report would have provided? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For months we have been waiting for a language handbook promised by the Premier. We still haven't seen it, but we have been promised it...(inaudible)...done by the government to take a cut, but not

as big a cut as was first anticipated, we realize that. But, why have decisions been made with the Department of Justice before this study with Avery Cooper & Co. is completed? This study would have perhaps made recommendations and given direction to the government on how to deal with this budget, which is not as big as it used to be. Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister mentioned that there were two positions that were cut within the Department of Justice. I know there was a interpreter/translator position out of Fort Smith and a manager position. These are both positions in the Dene language terminology development positions. My understanding of these two position is they are key positions in trying to develop terminology within the legal system for Dene interpreters. The Minister said these were areas where his government could justify cutting these programs. I don't think so. I think these are two key areas. The Dene language interpreters were lagging way behind the Inuktitut language legal interpreters. These resources are now skewed from the east to the west. When he says that he can justify it, can he explain how cutting these two key positions could be justified and help the interpreters in trying to develop the terminology for legal interpreting? It is key in the west that we need more interpreters in the court system to help people in the west. Mahsi.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Final supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This department has already made decisions with regard to the legal interpreter/translator programs. For example, the Minister mentioned two positions that were cut. I know there are positions that have not been filled yet and are left vacant. So there are decisions already made in how they are going to deal with these cuts. What is the purpose of the firm Avery Cooper conducting a review of all interpreter/translator programs in the government? I know the government has put aside $45,000 to do this work. Before the review is done or any recommendations are put forward by this review group, the government departments have already made decisions to make cuts in some key areas. What is the purpose of this review? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. I would like to recognize the president of the Metis Nation, Gary Bohnet and Mike Paulette also.

---Applause

And I would also like to recognize three mayors: Mayor Dave Lovell, Mayor Joe Kunuk and Mayor Dennis Bevington from Yellowknife, Iqaluit and Fort Smith.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question also for the Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister is aware of how critical language is to our court system and how crucial it is that every person in court has the opportunity to be heard and clearly understood. That was confirmed in the Tran case in the Supreme Court of Canada recently, where the right of the accused to have a qualified and competent interpreter under section 14 of the Charter was clearly spelled out by the Supreme Court.

The legal interpreting program no longer has a manager. I would like to ask the Minister, without the support of a properly functioning legal interpreting program, who will ensure a consistent, competent legal translation service within the courts? Thank you.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, I have a report dated January 1995 from the legal interpreting program that shows the staggering number of hours and communities that interpreters have, through this program, have offered in various levels of courts in the Northwest Territories. This is a major undertaking that has been entrusted to the legal interpreting program by the courts. It has the confidence of not only judges but prosecutors and the lawyers. I would like to ask the Minister how this service can possibly continue to be provided on a part-time basis by the official languages unit which has a myriad of other duties. Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, this government is unique in Canada in that we allow unilingual people to sit on juries in the Northwest Territories, but this requires great care in the provision of competent interpreting services. Since the legal interpreting program will soon be without a full-time manager and is deprived of the position to coordinate Dene language services, I would like to ask the Minister, in light of the fact that this program has been severely reduced, whether he is now contemplating introducing amendments to the Jury Act to repeal the provision allowing for unilingual juries because we just won't be able to offer the service any longer. Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, the Minister tells us that we have less money for these services, which we all know, and tells us that an interdepartmental committee has been established of all affected departments, which is going to help government set priorities. I understand this interdepartmental committee exists and I understand that it is overseeing the study being done by Avery Cooper to decide how best to reallocate and reorganize the money devoted to legal interpreting within various activities of the government.

I would like to ask the Minister again -- and I know this question has been asked -- since the government is spending a precious $45,000 on the Avery Cooper study, wouldn't the logical thing be, if we want to get value out of this study and we want to get everyone involved in setting priorities, to hold off any decisions on arbitrary and selective cuts in the various programs until after the study is complete so the government can get the considered advice and set priorities, considering the range of activities that are now being done. Isn't that the logical way to do it; to hold off decisions until you get considered, independent advice from the consultant and the interdepartmental committee? Isn't that how it should be done? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I don't think the Minister has the horses to do the job but I would like to turn to another issue, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister assures us that the provision of competent interpreters that was formerly done by the legal interpreting program in the Department of Justice will now be handled part-time by the official languages unit and everything will be okay.

I would like to ask the Minister about the ongoing work that is required in identifying terminology and developing terminology to communicate legal concepts, particularly in the aboriginal languages. I would like to ask the Minister, since he has carefully thought through the implications of these cuts, who now will be responsible for continuing this ongoing work in developing and refining legal terminology in the aboriginal languages? Who is going to do it now? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. I'd like to, again, recognize some visitors in the gallery. We have with us from Cambridge Bay Larry Aknavigak, Kane Tologanak is a former Member, and Elizabeth Copeland from Whale Cove.

---Applause

Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to follow up on my colleague's questions to the Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, with regard to the legal interpreting program, it appears that an important concern in legal interpreting is consistency in language use, whether it's maintaining a high standard of interpreting or supporting and monitoring legal interpreters. The responsibility for addressing these concerns lies with the manager of the program.

I'd like to ask the Minister, can he explain why he indicated yesterday that, in deciding which position should be cut, it was decided that the manager's position was less important in maintaining the quality and consistency of the program than the administrative position. Thank you.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister had indicated that responsibility would be transferred to the official languages coordinator. Mr. Speaker, at present, there are two legal interpreter/terminologist positions, one for Inuktitut and one for the Dene languages. Not knowing whether the official languages coordinator is aware and fully knowledgable of the Dene languages, can the Minister explain why he chose to cut the Dene languages position in the interpreting area? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that we are all aware that we have to look for funding cuts over the next year and the following years to come. Mr. Speaker, this Minister is responsible for Justice, and justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. I would like to ask the Minister, what has he done as a Minister to persuade the federal government to maintain the funding level needed for the legal interpreting program? Thank you.

Agreed.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, have a question to the same Minister, the Minister of Justice. I understand that recently an independent committee reviewed the legal interpreting program and wrote to the Minister of Justice strongly advising that this program not be cut. Did the Minister receive these recommendations that the program should not be cut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Supplementary to my question, Mr. Speaker, to the same Minister. Why were the recommendations not followed by the Minister?

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Whitford.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The rationale was a general strategy on the part of Transportation to raise revenues when we were looking at our OPPLAN and O and M reductions. It was a very small part of trying to increase revenues to meet and maintain the current level of services that Mr. Kakfwi was alluding to earlier and that I've alluded to on a number of occasions. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Todd.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we'll initiate something to review this important issue. We'll take a look at the fiscal impact on our elders and the total revenues we anticipated receiving from this. I'll commit to reviewing this important issue for our elders.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to ask the Minister of Justice some questions, after listening to questions posed by my colleagues concerning the PY cuts in the legal interpreting program. In one of his responses, Mr. Speaker, the Minister said the legal interpreter manager's responsibilities would be taken over by the official languages coordinator. I would like to know if this official languages coordinator has a background in linguistics.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Kakfwi.

The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the new chairman of the new Stanton hospital board who has worked along with the rest of the members of the hospital to see how much can be provided and how we could meet some of the long outstanding repatriation initiatives. It was recommended that the new or enhanced services of phase II of the repatriation initiative -- which will meet the needs that are currently not met -- be brought closer to home.

Phase I of the development began in July 1991 when Stanton Hospital was given approval for several enhanced new programs and these services were expected to repatriate the Northwest Territories residents from the south and to increase the number of services provided in the north. In March 1995, the Financial Management Board approved the following enhancements to the Stanton Hospital: new EFTs for a second general surgeon; ear/nose and throat specialist and paediatrician; expanded services for visiting neurology and urology; general support services for obstetrics and gynaecology; new patient care programs in metabolic education; kidney dialysis; and, electroconvulsive therapy.

Mr. Speaker, as well, because of the concern about the issue of speech pathologists, there has been an increase in the number of speech pathologists on staff by 1.5 person years, due to the fact that by increasing the ear/nose and throat team, they would save a significant amount of money currently being spent to refer children to the south.

In addition, Stanton is in the process of implementing a reorganization which is expected to free up enough resources to allow them to add an additional 1.5 person years on a temporary basis to clear up the backlog and complete assessments of the need for the services in Yellowknife. I believe this is in place.

Mr. Speaker, those are the main initiatives that have been discussed in terms of repatriation initiatives to extend the development of the Stanton Hospital. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

All of these services, Mr. Speaker, are intended to be added almost immediately, or as soon as recruitment is effective. Thank you.