Mr. Todd.

I thought we were talking more about the larger issue of forest fires. My apologies, Mr. Speaker. The department does provide significant literature to the campers and campgrounds, et cetera, about the hazards of fires. Particularly this time of year when the weather is dry and sunny like it is in the east, it does provide information to campers and to people who are involved in the parks to be careful and to be vigilant in the use of campfires, et cetera. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'll work with my colleague, Mr. Morin, who, as I said, is involved in the larger issue of firefighting. I think we're all aware of the enormous cost that's involved with this; last year, I believe, it was over $27 million. I'll work out a bit of a program with him which will perhaps make the public more aware of the need to be vigilant and more careful as the dry season wears on. Thank you very much for these suggestions.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. On April 27th, the Minister made an announcement in this House through a Minister's statement, on the review of municipal legislation, and informed this House that there would be a committee that would review and undertake some amendments to the legislation pertaining to the municipal government. He also informed this House that there would be terms of reference. I would like to ask the Minister what is the status of those terms of reference?

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not aware of exactly what the status is of the terms of reference but I'll get that information and provide it to the Member. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also in his Minister's statement, he informed this House that the municipalities would be asked for input into the review of the legislation. What kind of information have they been provided so that they can help or provide their input into the review of this legislation?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, I've advised the municipalities at the annual general meeting that the review of municipal legislation will take place and I've asked the board of directors to appoint an individual to sit on the steering committee that will oversee the municipal legislation review. Thank you.

Supplementary, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not every municipal government is a member of the NWTAM. I would like to know what kind of information has been provided to the municipalities on the review of the legislation? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, it's my understanding that every municipality in the Northwest Territories is a member of the Association of the Municipalities. To date, there is no information that has been provided because the terms of reference outlining the timetable and what information will be provided and consulted upon hasn't been finalized yet. After that time, the information packages will be going to each municipality, the Association of Municipalities and other interested organizations. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Allooloo.

Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member has brought this issue up to me previously as well as the Member from Iqaluit. We're looking at how we can best use the services of this lady in Pond Inlet to work on the projects that we have there. My understanding is that she does need some additional training in certain areas and we will work with the Baffin district to enable her to work on those projects in Pond Inlet. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Allooloo.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the employee had made a proposal to the Department of Public Works, with the full support of the regional staff of DPW, in terms of fulfilling her position that she could be used by the government in that particular area. Apparently, it requires headquarters' approval. Mr. Speaker, I wonder why her proposal, that was supported by the regional staff, hasn't been approved yet by headquarters. Thank you.