Mr. Speaker, in recognizing the realities of restraint, the increased role departments are playing in regional communities and the increased abilities of the communities to tend to their own affairs, a total of 11 government liaison officer positions were flagged for reduction, from full-time to part-time, in the Executive offices main estimates on April 1, 1995. Two of these GLO positions were in the Keewatin region, while the remaining nine were in the Baffin region.

Amended job offers were issued to all 11 incumbent GLOs with a request to respond within a five-day period as to whether they wished to accept the amended offer of part-time employment or if the Government of the Northwest Territories should proceed with a lay-off action.

The two Keewatin incumbents responded to the job offer within the requested five-day period. The GLO in Arviat accepted the offer of part-time employment, while the GLO in Baker Lake chose to receive notification of layoff. None of the nine GLOs, having received part-time job offers in the Baffin region, responded with an acceptance of the offer.

Commitments have subsequently been received from the departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment to fund four part-time positions in some of the affected Baffin and Keewatin communities. Where applicable, amended job offers were made.

It's rather lengthy, but I can provide to the Members and circulate by community who has part-time offers and where they are shared with other departments and where the offers are, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.