The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not certain, Mr. Speaker, if I will be able to do that; I will certainly advise all honourable Member of the situation once that information is provided to me, through written correspondence. If I receive it before then, I will hopefully be able to provide that information to the honourable Members.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In addition, I would like to ask the Minister if he would check with the Government of Canada to confirm that these air attack officers are employees of the government and are subject to the Safety Act of the NWT, particularly section 13.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can certainly advise the honourable Member that we will review the matter of the legal interpretations that are given and their application. Certainly, if the matter is such that we have legal responsibility, then we will assume the responsibility accordingly, if that is the legal opinion that is provided to me and to the Cabinet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to ask the Minister whether or not he is aware of the penalties under the act, which indicates that if the Government of the Northwest Territories discharges, suspends, disciplines; or threatens to discharge, suspend or discipline, otherwise discriminating or threatening to discriminate against air attack officers because that person has exercised his right to refuse to work under section 13, the government may be found guilty of an offence under the act and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000. Is the Minister aware of that? Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'll certainly ensure that we are clear about the interpretations given to the legislation, and I will advise my colleagues about its application and ensure that we are all certain about the legal obligations that we have under the legislation, as well. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The issue of birthing centres is an ongoing discussion that we're having with all the health boards across the Northwest Territories. The Baffin health board is completing their needs assessment as it relates to a new hospital, and also taking into consideration what is going to be available at the community level in the health centres.

This has been an ongoing discussion, Mr. Speaker, and we have not neglected to bring to the attention of the Baffin health board the honourable Member's interest in having some kind of clear direction on birthing centres. Certainly, the department is in support of attempting to keep families closer to home or in the communities. I know that the evaluation of the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre has shown that there's great value in this, and that the idea should be incorporated in the health needs studies that are presently taking place, not only in Baffin, but in other regional health centres. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.