Mr. Todd.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I welcome the question today, because it permits me the opportunity to express my diminishing tolerance, if you want, Mr. Speaker, for being subjected to this kind of groundless innuendo from the UNW. If the hoax to send the Housing Corporation job description, was not embarrassing enough for the UNW, materials released last week confirmed that there are those within that organization who prefer fiction to fact. I would say that they utilized the Oliver Stone approach, that one should never allow facts to get in the way of or entertaining conspiracy theory. It is regrettable, Mr. Speaker, that the media are only willing to be parties to this train which needlessly and recklessly damages the reputation of people committed to serving the public

interests. Although, I recognize that one has to have thick skin in politics, Mr. Speaker, there is a threshold point where one has no choice but to look at other forms to find a remedy from the unsubstantiated rumour and thinly-veiled innuendo. I want to inform the leadership of the UNW and I want to be clear today, Jackie Simpson, Bob Robertson, Dave Talbot, I am now at that point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions, supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, The Minister is in fine form today again. Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister is are you officially responding to said allegations?

Mr. Todd.

My last comment Mr. Speaker, where I have provided those who bring forward these allegations is clear what my position is. If it continues I will deal with it forthwith, and I will deal with it in a correct and proper manner, by seeking appropriate legal council.

Oral questions. Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to address my question to the Minister for Transportation, the Hon. Mr. Antoine. In the community of Broughton Island, the community airstrip lies along the beach and it is exposed to wind and soft spray and stormy conditions. On my last visit to this community, I noticed just how rough the surface of the airstrip has become. I have just learned from the community that the pilots in Broughton Island have commented on this repeatedly. I also notice the cable for the runway lights lies exposed on the surface where the salty air conditions can damage electrical equipment easily.

Mr. Speaker, I know that the minister has expressed his department's top priority as maintaining the safety of the flying public. Could the Minister please advise us on the amount of money in the current year budget for the repairs and maintenance of Broughton Island airstrip? Thank you.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Antoine.

Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the question, the concern of the honourable member is very well noted by myself. The specific question of exactly how much is in the current budget, I will have to take that as notice and then get back to him on that. Thank you.

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

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes I have been able to obtain the information. The current contractor is undergoing local hiring. They have received ten applications from within the community of the former employees of

Trail Cross. They also have ten additional applications from other communities or other individuals from the Northwest Territories and they are going through the screening and interviewing process as we speak. Today with that anticipated November 1st opening date of the Trail Cross facility, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question supplementary Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that there will be additional clinical support from the program director who is expected to be a trained psychologist, and as well, there will be additional support provided by consulting psychiatrists and neurophsychologists. Thank you.

Oral question supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will certainly make that commitment to continue to keep members informed of what is happening in this area, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions, Mr. Barnabas.

As I mentioned in my statement earlier today, I am very concerned about the possible consequences that will flow from reduced housing programs. My question is for the Honourable Minister Mr. Goo Arlooktoo, Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation. Can the Minister please tell us about what percentage of the housing program in '95-'96 was built with money from the Government of Canada.