Yes, Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, I find the Honourable Member for Iqaluit is not wearing a necktie and I find that it would be inappropriate that it is not traditional dress that he is wearing and I ask that he correct that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Under the rules of decorum, the rule states that (12.9): "When in the Assembly every Member shall be attired in native dress or in a manner appropriate to the dignity of the Assembly". If you have a collar, then you wear a tie, but he has a military collar, so, how do you wear a tie on a military collar? I ask for the Member's explanation on that because there is a difference, one a tie is appropriate, and one it is not appropriate. Perhaps, you may want to clarify that, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not recognize the types of collar that the Honourable Member has on, so I would think, Mr. Speaker, I would think that he would be able to wear a tie with that, but if it is deemed that that is suitable, then obviously that is your ruling, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Is there any other Member that wishes to comment on that? The point of order, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As anyone who accepts and respects the decorum of this House, it would be me. When I reviewed the rule book this morning I did note the section, as you did, that as long as the shirt that I am wearing today, Mr. Speaker, which was a gift from my poor, dear old mom...(laughter)...does not have a tie, but it is, as it is, it is called a polo shirt and, ah, if a priest can wear it with decorum, then I am very proud to...(laughter)...the problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ootes, point of order.

The rules do make any reference to the kind of dress he used, but it does make reference to the way you dress would be appropriate for the Chamber itself and I understand that the Member did feel offended by it and, it is a difficult situation, and I do not mind saying that now. Maybe I will ask the Clerk's advice on this one. (Laughter). David?

Thank you, we will continue to, we are not clear, I am not clear which direction the Members' are asking for...I am sure, like, there are a number of times when Members' feel offended by the kind of ties you are used to, so, Mr. Kakfwi, a point of order.

I will say to the Members' now that this rule has been there since before my time and it has not changed with the times, either. I also realize that military style collars of shirts is one of the new styles that are now in the marketplace and so, perhaps maybe the rules are inappropriate for the times that we are in now and, if Mr. Ng would accept it, perhaps we can allow that type of shirt to be appropriate for the House, but if he feels offended, yet, then I will ask maybe Mr. Picco to put an appropriate string tie or bow tie or a neck tie. So, Mr. Ng, would you wish to maybe accept the way things are now or do you still feel offended? The debate is closed on this now, Okay? Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not realize that I had caused this much of a debate on this issue, Mr. Speaker. I certainly do not have any offense to the honourable Member wearing the shirt since his Mother gave it to him. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Ng, it is very much appreciated. Perhaps in the future, I would like to ask Members, if they feel discomfort about the way they enter the chamber, that they ask for advice on whether or not it is appropriate. We do not have to run into this type of situation every time. A Member comes into the House, and I also realize that all the Members on this side are new Members and perhaps they are in the learning process too, so I appreciate your cooperation Mr. Ng.

Orders of the day. Ministers' statement. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Manitok Thompson will be absent from the House today to attend to a personal matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statement, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statement. Ministers' statement, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to announce today that the government has selected its partner for the development of the digital communications network that was first announced to this Assembly during the Budget Address in May.

This decision is an important step in a long process to improve and modernize the communications network in the NWT as we prepare to enter the twenty first century.

To ensure that northerners have access to the opportunities presented by a modern communications network, the GNWT has taken the step of acting as the anchor tenant to get this network off the ground.

Equally as important, Mr. Speaker, was the requirement to make this increases service available on a fee for service basis to other levels of government, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individual citizens across the Territories. The implementation of the publicly accessible high speed data communications network holds tremendous potential to provide new spin off opportunities for northern companies and residents.

Mr. Speaker, three companies responded to the request for proposals. Over the past two and a half months, we have analyzed the proposals and met with two of the proponents to review their proposals and ask further detailed questions. Based on this detailed analysis, I am pleased to announce that the successful proponent is Ardicom Digital Communications Inc., a northern owned and operated company. The equal owners of Ardicom are: Arctic Co-operatives, NASCO, the Northern Aboriginal Services Corporation, and NorthwesTel.

Arctic Co-operatives Ltd. is the co-operative federation for 41 community based co-operatives across the Territories. In addition to numerous other services, Arctic Co-ops run cable TV distribution systems in a number of NWT communities.

NASCO is owned by four aboriginal development corporations; Denendeh Development Corporation, Yukon First Nations, Nunasi Corporation, and the Inuvialuit Corporation. NASCO is experienced in providing services and operating facilities throughout the North.

I want to emphasize that this network will be available to every community across the Territories. Through services such as distance education, tele-medicine and electronic delivery of government services, we will be able to improve services while avoiding spiral costs.

Members will be aware that the major user departments have already identified funding in their business plans for the cost of this service. We expect other departments and organizations to utilize this service as opportunities for service improves and cost reductions become available to them.

The request for proposal requires that the network be completed by March 31, 1999. We remain committed to this deadline in order to ensure that the network is completely in place by the time this Territory divides and in time for the new Territory of Nunavut to take full use of its capacity to support a decentralized structure and operations. However, we are also hopeful that this time frame can be shortened to make the entire network operational prior to that date.

Once negotiations with Ardicom Digital Communications have been concluded, I will provide Members of this House and the residents of the NWT, with the further details of the plans to implement this exciting project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Ministers' statement, Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Ministers' statement. Members' statement. Members' statement, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I acknowledge the transportation benefits we can access with First Air and I am very proud that this is an Inuit owned airline serving the Baffin region, however, this company has become too corporate minded as it is the only airline serving the particular region - the area in the road between the communities of Hall Beach, Pond Inlet and Igloolik. Perhaps if there was much needed competition in the airline industry at this time, services could be improved.

The rates have also become too high.

Perhaps a service that involves passengers only could be introduced in our region. Too often passengers are getting bumped off because of lack of seats for these three communities of Amittuq. Currently this airline has direct route between the traditionally close communities of Igloolik, Hall Beach and Pond Inlet. As a further inconvenience to get back and forth between these two communities, each trip includes a stop over Iqaluit both ways.

As I mentioned, these communities are traditionally linked and relatives are spread out in each settlement. In the event of death, families have to put together their own money, which is costly enough without the exuberation of Iqaluit stop over being included in the high rates of air travel. It is important that families have easier access to transportation that enables them to visit one another. I would encourage some healthy competition and services from Air Baffin and First Air in the Baffin to try new, direct flights from my region.

I would like to state between the routes of Hall Beach and Igloolik, there is a one hour stop over, and if I were to go to Pond Inlet returning to Igloolik, I would have to sleep over night in Iqaluit and travel to Pond Inlet the next day. This is what I wanted to indicate to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statement, Mr. Miltenberger.

Just to remind the Members that Members' statement is very clear on the type of statements that you make in the House, and under the item Members' statement, a Member may make a statement on any matter. The speaker may order a Member, who makes improper use of his Members' statement, to take his or her seat. Statements made under the rules shall not exceed two and a half minutes, shall be confined to one matter, and one matter only; shall be limited to one statement per day by any member. Have you concluded your statement on the quorum in this matter?

I would like to remind the members that when you make your statement you keep it to one item and one matter only. I will allow you to make your statement Mr. Miltenberger because I do not know if you know like make short comments before your statement ... you can not make two comments because it is going to be looked, viewed as two statements. Mr. Miltenberger, to your Members' statement.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Members' statement, Mr. Henry. Mr. Henry?

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not think there is anyone here who would disagree that Canada is the best place in the world to live. People in the United Nations think so. The fact that Canada is a democracy is probably the single most important factor in Canada being such a wonderful nation, but it is a factor that we often take for granted. I think it would be worthwhile to review exactly what being a democracy means.

Democracy is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as: "Government by the people, a form of government in which the powers reside in the people and is exercised by them either directly or by means as elected representatives. A form of society which favours equal rights, the ignoring of hereditary class distinctions, the tolerance of minority views".

While the concept of democracy originated in Greece it's feel expression in the modern era arose from the American revolution, 220 years ago. The principles adopted by the new American nation are, with minor variations, those which have been democracies around the world, including Canada.

The Declaration of Independence summarizes beautifully what democracy really means. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Democracy, in short, is a system of government where people exercise power. As part of Canada we in the Northwest Territories also govern ourselves according to democratic principles. Important decisions about the governing of the Northwest Territories are made by the people. Most often these decisions are made by elected representatives, especially the Members of this House.

The decisions of great importance are best left to people themselves to decide without intermediaries. This is why we have referendums and plebiscites. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his

statement. Do we have any nays. There are no nays, Mr. Henry, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We all recognize that the division of the Northwest Territories in 1999 is a fundamental change to the make up of our country. For the first time in fifty years the map of Canada will change. While the views and opinions of elected representatives have been important in the road to division...two very crucial decisions where northerners entrusted only to the people of the Northwest Territories. The decision about whether to divide at all and end the decision about where to divide were both too important and too far-reaching to leave to elected representatives, alone.

These decisions could be made through the free equal and democratic vote of all northerners. We now come to another such critical decisions. The constitution that will be established for the new western territory will be of critical importance to the democratic development of the government of this part of Canada, and therefore, as with the division and boundary issues it is too important to be left solely to the elected representatives of the people. While our views and opinions will be very important, the final decision must be left to the people.

That is why I appreciate the reassurance of the Honourable Premier, yesterday, in responding to concerns that my Honourable colleague from Nunakput, the Premier outlined the principles that will guide the ratification of a new constitution and his response, the democratic process, to bring in legislation on the ratification of the constitution and the principle of one person, one vote, which is a direct consequence of the principle that all people are created equal. These are critical principles of democracy that we must abide by in order to retain the confidence of the people of the Northwest Territories.

The next few months will be crucial in this process. The famous British author, Huxley, once said, the survival of democracy depends on the ability of large numbers of people to make realistic choices in the light of adequate information. While I have the faith in the ability of all residents of the western territory to be able to make a realistic choice in the matter of a new constitution.

Over the next few months beginning with the release of the proposed draft of the constitution last Wednesday, we will ensure that all residents of the new western territory will indeed have that adequate information to permit them to make a choice which will guide their government for decades to come.

I look forward to the day when all adult residents of the western territory will vote to decide how they will be governed. I thank the Premier for reassuring my colleagues, that all northerners, that the principle of democracy are now, and always in will remain, the foundation of our structure of government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Members' Statement, Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker today is the last day of the Third Session of the 13th Assembly. There is also two days past the anniversary of our election. In the time since our election we have grown and become more confident in our positions. This has certainly been evident during these last sessions, with all Members becoming more active during the discussions and committee meetings, as well, here in the Chamber.

I think we have done a good job representing our constituents, as well as, our (inaudible) government responsibilities (inaudible), to the concerns, our recommendations. Over the next few months we will continue to provide constituents with our voice here in the Chamber as well as working on the many issues that we face. The western Territory now has a draft constitution that needs to be discussed and ratified.

We also have the deficit that must be brought under control and the organizations of the departments, to name a few. These are difficult times we are in but we must be diligent to take care of the people that we represent. It is our job to ensure that constituency issues are heard and responded to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Members' Statement, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the large debt of the past will have to be paid for over the life of the 13th Assembly. The MLA's of the 13th Assembly have inherited an unlucky number and task. When I review some of the potential $100,000,000 in cuts that we have announced that will have to be done over the next 12 months, I get sick to my stomach.

I was not elected to inflict pain on my constituents, my friends, my neighbours, my family, but I do realize that we have to take the pain now so that our children will not pay in the future for said large debt.

My Speaker, I have only been home four days since September 16th. I will not get home to my family before November 1st. It is very difficult to concentrate at the job at hand, when you worry about your wife, and family. While, I was elected to do this job and I have done the best that I could have, even though some hon. colleagues prefer that I would not ask any questions, or wear funny shirts. Well, it also comes with this territory.

Over the next two weeks as we review the business plans of this government and reflect on what we will be doing, I want to assure my constituents and the people of the Northwest Territories that this work is not taken lightly by any Member, and for the two people who came to see me last night at my apartment I understand your frustration, and concern, as I said before, when Mike Harris lays off 30,000 people in Ontario he does not know them, he does not see them everyday like this Assembly does. When I shop at The Bay and buy my groceries I see the affected people. We as MLA's see these people, they are our friends, relatives, and neighbours.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing my family and relatives when I return home finally on the 1st of November. The soul searching will continue, Mr. Speaker, but we cannot micro-manage the budget or cuts, but we can, at least, reflect and adjust our plans to take into account the logistic and administrative realities of the day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' Statement, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Members' statement, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Member's statement. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a letter here from the Koomiut Co-op in Pelly Bay, signed by the Co-op manager, regarding the sale of GNWT staff houses. Mr. Speaker, you will remember, about two weeks ago I made a statement regarding the Gjoa Haven Development Council Corporation wanting to acquire the GNWT houses, thereby leasing them to the GNWT employees. We have met with the Minister of Finance during the summer. A representative from the Hamlet of Pelly Bay has met with the Minister of Finance, wanting to acquire the government staff houses, and lease them to the current government employees in the community of Pelly Bay.

Since that time, a new development has come out in Pelly Bay. Now the Co-op is interested in acquiring the staff houses. Mr. Minister has indicated because of the legislation, regardless of the regulation, the hamlet may not be qualified or eligible to acquire the GNWT houses, and lease them to the employees. Mr. Speaker, later on, at the appropriate time, I will be posing a question to the appropriate Minister. If the hamlet is eligible, given that the rules apply, if the development corporation in the communities are eligible to purchase government houses, can the co-op in the community apply? Does the same rule apply to the co-ops in the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Member's statement. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Member's statement. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we sit in this Chamber and debate the issues of the day here, in areas where it affects the lives of people everyday, life goes on in the communities for the people that we represent. Children are born, and people are passing away.

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of one of my great grand-uncles. He was 92 years old. His name was Julian Antoine. In our language we call him Eechea. This man lived many years on this land, and he was born out on the land, east of Fort Simpson, of the Willow River, north of the Horn Plateau, in a village that no longer exists, where many Dene used to live many years ago. He grew up out there on the land. They say that he was a very able man out on the land. He used to hunt and trap and fish. He was very capable as a Dene, to survive in that kind of environment. Over the years, I was fortunate enough to know him and take direction from him, as one of the advisors to me. I remember that many times he used to call me and tell me a story of somebody that was not doing something right. It was always somebody else. All along in the story, he was talking about me. In this way, he gave me advice and direction, and to this day, I am very thankful for that type of advice that comes from our elders in the community.

I just wanted to also say that this man worked, not only on the land, but in developing the north. He says that he worked on the Distributor. This is a paddle-wheel, the first boats that went down the Mackenzie River. He has seen this whole country, right from Great Slave Lake down to the Delta. He has also worked for the RCMP, with dogs and dog-teams, and getting fish for the winter, and hunting for them in the wintertime.

People like that have to be recognized as helping development here in the north, and keeping our culture going. With that, I would like to thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

---Applause.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Member's statement. Mr. Krutko.

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Member's statement. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement is concerning the constitutional package that was released very recently, and which has been put forward for the public to look at, and to comment upon.

---Laughter.

...except for when they are snoring. I would also like to thank Bill Erasmus for taking the heat off me. He was the only person who was consistently arriving later than I was.

---Laughter.

I would also like to thank Jane Groenewegen for being there. She was also very quiet. Jane, it is hard to be heard from the hallways or your office.

---Laughter.

I would also like to thank the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, for contributing greatly to the unity of the working group by not coming to the meetings.

---Laughter.

I would also like to thank Bob Simpson. People wonder why a non-aboriginal person represented the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit. All I know is they call him Gwich'in Bob.

---Laughter.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. You have unanimous consent, Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would also like to thank Richard Nerysoo who sat with us a few times. You will recall Mr. Nerysoo sat in this very House, with the last Assembly. He suddenly became an expert on aboriginal and treaty rights. He contributed greatly.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the staff, seriously, they worked long and hard hours, sometimes they had to come back for revisions and information on very short notice. They had to come back the next day after we had met late a night and they worked through their summer and weekends as well. I would like to thank them for all their work.

I would also like to thank the public who waited patiently for us to come up with something for them to discuss. I also just wanted to point out that the public, I hope, does not make up their mind about the package before they have had a chance to look at it and find out what is in the package. It is now the public's job to review the package, evaluate it, and to give us feedback, and then, of course, it is our job to then listen to the public and to revise the package and bring it back to the public for them to vote upon. Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statement, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have heard the comments about Mr. Picco's priest from the east shirt, Mr. Todd's bellbottoms, but the real question that Members are asking this side of the House is...the flowers and the roses that Mr. Todd and Mr. Morin hav before them...what are they for...there was a remark that they look like they are both newlyweds. Thank you.

---Laughter

Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements?

Returns to oral questions, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to an Oral Question asked by Mr. Picco on October 3rd with respect to changes to the ultimate removal process.

With the ratification of the new collective agreement between the Union of Northern Workers and the Government of the NWT, changes were made to the ultimate removal provisions. I can confirm that employees will now arrange for their own moves, submit receipts to their department and then will be reimbursed for all eligible expenses for the lesser of the actual cost of the move or the cap that was agreed to for each community. Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know I rarely do this, but if I do not do it today I will be in deep trouble. I would like to recognize, if I may, Keith Sharpe, who is the mayor of Rankin Inlet. I am kind of impressed today, he wears a shirt and a tie. I have not seen that in the past twenty years. He must have a special meeting today. Keith is a strong supporter of community

empowerment and I certainly appreciate that. With him today is Harry Towtongie, who is the chief organizer for the Keewatin Dog Mushers and also a councillor, and last, but not least, is Antonio Masone, who is a well-qualified administrative arm of the municipality, ready and capable of taking more community empowerment. Thank you.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Andrew Johnson. Mr. Johnson was the Co-op manager of the Kimik Cooperative in Lake Harbour while I was growing up and I understand he works somewhere else now.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Krutko.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. MacDonald who is here faithfully to keep an eye on John Todd.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Oral questions, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Yesterday, I believe we received some correspondence from the Hamlet of Igloolik. First of all, perhaps if I explain through my preamble, that these people are interested in obtained community empowerment and I believe that there were, in Igloolik, the Hamlet, for many months now has been working together with the social workers and now they are just waiting to have their results of these talks. Can the Minister use his abilities to encourage that those people receive a social worker in their requests? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the community of Igloolik to looking at taking over the social services program and other aspects, possibly health, I am certain if those negotiation are underway, if there is problems I will try to rectify them. From my understanding things are progressing, but I will make sure that, because the honourable Member brought up the issue, that things move along in a speedy fashion, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps in his response you can give me something in writing so that I can take it with me before I leave for my constituency. Hopefully he can give me this correspondence in writing by November 1st. Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like I said to the honourable Member, I will find

out what the status is on it, certainly I am not adverse or opposed to putting it in writing on the status and if there are any problems, identify them and work with them and try to resolve any that may be outstanding, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as indicated in my Member's statement earlier that the Co-op in Pelly Bay is interested in acquiring or purchasing the current GNWT staff houses in Pelly Bay. First of all I would like to find the Honourable Minister of Finance a meeting with the delegation, probably be over the summer and his willingness to do business with Gjoa Haven Development Corporation. Mr. Speaker, if the rules apply the Minister is willing to do business with the Development Corporation in Gjoa Haven and perhaps the Municipality at Pelly Bay, does the same rule apply to the Co-op. The Co-op in Pelly Bay now wants to do business with the Minister of Finance to acquire the building. Does the same rule apply to the Co-ops across the Territory, namely Pelly Bay? Thank you.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me start by saying what are we trying to accomplish here? We are trying to ensure that we have adequate housing for, in seems anyway, for teachers, and that is the first objective. Cost-affordable, cost-effective housing. That is what we are trying to do. We are going to give the teachers in Pelly Bay and as we have given them everywhere else, including McPherson, who were on the radio again this morning, an equal opportunity to purchase these houses at a significant discounted rate.

Should the tenants not be prepared to purchased their houses, which I have said on a number of occasions, I do not quite understand why, but assuming they do not, we will then work out a mechanism, community by community, to provide an opportunity for co-operatives, development corporations, individuals, or whoever to purchase those houses, as long as we have made an arrangement with them to ensure that those houses will be available at the affordable rate for our employees, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral question, Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same, Honourable Minister. My supplementary is, now who comes first, the Hamlet in the communities, the co-op, or the development corporation? How does the Minister do business with the community where there are a number of organizations wanting to purchase the government stock houses? Thank you.

Mr. Todd.

I think we have more than one group in the community I think it would be only fair to call for community proposals, set some conditions to those proposals to ensure, again, as Ms. Thomas is in the House, to ensure that there is adequate, affordable housing for teachers and employees of this government.

So I think probably the fairest way, Mr. Speaker, would be that we would call for proposals by community. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, I hope the Honourable Minister is not trying to avoid dealing with the Co-op in Pelly Bay, or across the board. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Todd.

I understand, Mr. Ningark's concerns as a strong advocate of co-op involvement for 20 to 30 years. I want to assure him as I want to assure others that everybody would have, at the community level, equal access to providing us with proposals. It is important, however, to stress, do not know how many times, that we may have to ensure that the housing is available and it is affordable and that will be the principle that will guide us as we bring forward the proposals, community-by-community. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have to take that question as notice. I will check with the Minister responsible and get back to the Member. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. My question is, is there any changes to your projected budget deficit given that the staff housing sales are not going as well as maybe you had anticipated first off.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me, first of all, assure my honourable colleague the staff housing will be sold, it will be sold on the new revised schedule by the end of the year. I am optimistic that we will meet our targets in terms of the revenue that is required in that particular area. with respect to the overall fiscal position of the government, I think, as I said, we are going to meet our targets, if not exceed them. It is my understanding tomorrow that I will be meeting with caucus at 2:00. We will give a full fiscal update at that time and hopefully demonstrate and reassure my colleague that we are on track and in fact maybe in slightly better shape than we had projected at this time. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral Question, Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Finance Minister's optimism. I sincerely hope it comes true. My question is, how much was anticipated for the sale of staff housing, and as well get the second question in, which year are you talking about, is it the end of this calendar year, or the government's fiscal year, when you anticipate having the houses sold. Thank you.

Thank you. Two questions, Mr. Todd.

Return to Supplementary Question 530- 13(3): Changes to Projected 1996-97 Deficit

In this job you have to be optimistic, otherwise it would wear you down. I am sure that other Finance Ministers feel the same way. Let me say that our projected revenues were in the range of $28 to $30 million, in terms of what we anticipate from the sale of staff housing. That the sale of staff housing was a two process, that we were looking for $13 million this year, and $17 million, next year. I believe we are on target. I am optimistic, as I said, that we will sell the staff housing, one way or the other, so I think the long and the short of it is, Mr. Speaker, is that yes, it is $30 million that we were anticipating. It was expected that we would get the revenues over a two year period. We are confident that we can get it and we are also confident that we meet the targets that we collectively set in the Deficit Administration Strategy. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk:

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance. Non-Aboriginal teachers who are working up North will probably continue to come up here to teach. Usually, teachers come up to the communities for 2 or 3 year terms, not long enough to make it financially sound to purchase the house many of them are currently living in. With the government housing sales currently going on, and teachers are not interested in buying the housing they live in, how does the government plan to ensure they continue to have professional teachers in the communities, when housing is no longer available? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am confident that the sales program we have got is the best sales program in Canada, never mind North America. What other jurisdiction says to its employees--buy this house, at a significant discount. The mortgage payments will be less than your rent, and at the same time, it says, if you cannot sell it, we will buy it back when you leave. So I am fairly confident, Mr. Speaker, that we will be able to, with some reassuring, and with the co-operation of the teachers and some of its Executive and its Association, that we will be able to convince the majority of teachers that this is a good deal for them, as it has been for other employees. And that, at the end of the day, we will have a strategy, and do have a strategy in place, to ensure that adequate housing will be available. If some teachers and others choose to leave, then we will just have to take the appropriate measures to recruit new ones that like the new conditions that exist in the recruitment policies.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

The issue that my honourable colleague is alluding to is the furnishing fiscal allocation that is, under policy of this government, provided to Ministers who are asked to move to Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Again, I must remind the Members that when you ask a question, you do a preamble, and then you ask the question. In this case, you did ask the first question, but all this relates to the second question. I cannot allow it, because there is no connection. It is a new question. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the media over the last few weeks, and in the news, we have heard about the Canada Cost-Shared Infrastructure Program between the federal government and the provinces and the territories. Can the Premier update this House on the Infrastructure Program as it relates to the Northwest Territories.