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.