Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under other issues, page 6. One chapter of the report consisted of a follow up to the Auditor General's 1992 Comprehensive Audit of the Department of Health. The Auditor General was concerned that the department was too slow in carrying out the recommendations of the comprehensive audit. For example, the comprehensive audit stressed the need for a strategic plan governing health care delivery in the NWT.

Mr. Ramsden suggested that a draft of the plan might be complete in the next eight, 12, or perhaps 18 months. Committee Members also discussed concerns about the relationship of the health boards, information systems and the flow of information between the department and the boards. Outside the report Members discussed the issue of municipal loans, briefly, with the other general staff.

Members expressed concern about municipal accountability with regard to community empowerment, following up on an issue in last year's report relating to loans to municipalities. Problems with municipalities' budgets have lead to concerns by committee Members that the significant transfer of funds and responsibilities included in the community empowerment initiative could lead to further problems.

Mr. Voytilla agreed to provide further information to the committee regarding plans to ensure adequate accountability to communities and the committee intends to pay close attention to the financial health of municipalities and the accountability framework of the community empowerment initiative.