As notice. Oral question, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, and it is regarding community empowerment. Yesterday in the House the Minister confirmed that there was a comprehensive review of municipal finances, and that report with recommendations, was to be presented to the Minister on April 1, 1997. The Minister also confirmed yesterday that the recommended reforms in that report are due for implementation on April 1, 1998.

Mr. Speaker, I am a little confused. The Minister tells us that much work will be done in the next few months to transfer powers and responsibilities to municipalities, yet any necessary reforms to municipal financing structures and arrangements may not occur for another 18 months.

Can the Minister explain to this House, why in this vital area of ensuring that the municipal governments' financing structures are adequately prepared for taking over the important responsibilities under community empowerment are coming after the fact. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take that as notice.

The question is taken as notice. Oral question, Mr. Roland.

The Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, conditional sentencing came into effect with Bill C-41 on September 3 of this year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question, supplementary Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, conditional sentencing is the custodial sentence of less than two years, that is to be served in the community, if the judge deems fit to sentence an individual in that manner. There is also some flexibility in that he can sentence individuals to treatment programs as well, during that time period. Basically, the conditions that are imposed on the individual are very similar to probation where they would have to be supervised in the community and be required to report accordingly to those types of individuals. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question, supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the programs would have to be approved by the jurisdiction in which the individual is serving the sentence, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral question, supplementary, Mr. Roland. That is your final.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not positive on the approval process for this, so I will find that out and advise the Member accordingly. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a letter here from Gjoa Haven Development Corporation written to Mr. Arlooktoo, on October 2, 1996. The letter is the offer to purchase any available GNWT units, or duplexes, to maintain in these homes to the GNWT employees.

Mr. Speaker, in keeping with the spirit of this Government, in the area of community empowerment, in keeping with the spirit of this Government to ensure that in the community within the jurisdiction, is self-sufficient, and any business within the small community will prosper, thereby creating jobs for people. My question to the Honourable Minister of Finance is, is the Minister willing to do business with the Gjoa Haven Development Corporation? Thank you.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories would only be too happy to do business with the Gjoa Haven Development Corporation, as the Committee so sees fit. Thank you.