Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Concerning the hockey arena in Clyde River, it was to be completed by the year 2000. I did receive those letters from the hamlet and I have discussed them with the member. We will be looking at this in the very near future. It will be completed in 1999. Right now they are making the blue prints for the hockey arena. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister of MACA for the answer that she has given. We do realize that in Clyde River - I do not know if they are willing to wait that long for the hockey arena. I wonder if there is any possibility of getting this sooner? Is it because there is a lack of funding for this? If it is not possible to get the hockey arena sooner, I would like her to tell me the reason. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. Thompson.

(Translator) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It takes about two years to prepare such things as hockey arenas. This is the reason why it is taking that long. It will be completed by 1999. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, who is also responsible, I believe, for communication matters. Earlier today Mr. Barnabas expressed concerns, that I also share, about the impact of the coming drastic cuts to CBC North. If these cuts are not reduced all residents of the north will suffer a long term loss of essential broadcasting services. A meeting was held in Ottawa, November 18th between representatives of this government and the president of CBC, Mr. Perrin Beatty. My question, will the minister please outline what further initiatives this government has taken to reduce cuts to CBC North since this meeting in November in Ottawa? Thank you.

Thank you. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Roland.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will try to choose my words carefully because it seems that every time that I speak to an issue with respect to organized labour everybody gets a copy of their missile. So, I would like to try and avoid that because I would really appreciate if they talk about somebody else. I spoke to my constituencies, as I am sure others have, with respect to the fact that our unionized workers are going to have five days with no pay cheques because of the arrangements that was made through the collective agreement.

I am unable to speak directly to the employees as we deal directly with the executive. If my honourable colleague is suggesting, would we be prepared to initiate discussions with the UNW to see if they would reconsider their position and to put into place some reasonable and fair system that would ensure that our employees are not without pay in 1997, during the Christmas and New Year period, the answer is yes.

Hear. Hear.

-- Applause

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

Mr. Todd.

Well, you know, if I can go back a little, it was our intention -- at least the way I understand it and what I have read - it was our intention to try to do exactly that, to ensure that some small sum was taken from our employees pay cheques on a regular basis to ensure continuity of pay. Frankly, pay cheque reduction at that time of the year is going to be difficult at the best of times and some of our employees, as you know, have also got additional deductions with the 20% deduction with the reclaim of the VTA. I am very much aware of the difficulties that our employees are having. I have them in my own riding. I used to have them in my own family. I am prepared to have my staff draft a letter to the UNW, indicate that this issue is being discussed in the House, that there is a growing concern and ask them if they would reconsider their position. Now, I understand that they are in the process of grieving a portion or a part of it but, in the meantime, our people are going to be without - the people we all represent - are going to be without a pay cheque. I am not sure, at this late juncture, even though it is admirable what my colleague asks, that we would be able to do it for this coming year. We have less than 30 days left unless, of course, we had the cooperation of everybody. I could have my staff call the UNW, I suppose, and take a look at that but, at this late juncture, I firmly doubt it.

What I would be prepared to definitely commit to would be to communicate through the staff, through Mr. Voytilla or Mr. Hunt, to the UNW to ask them if they would be prepared to sit down and see if we could put in place a system that would avoid the situation we have this year, for next year. I will commit to my honourable colleague to discuss this matter of whether it is possible to do it this year but it is going to require everybody's cooperation. I am certainly willing; the door is open. However, I do not know what facts you will get tomorrow, but I want to make it clear that I am prepared to do that for the coming year and I will take a look at what we can do in this last 30 or 40 days that are left in this year. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and I have to note that he looks quite dapper over there with that wonderful shirt on. Yesterday, Mr. Miltenberger had one on - there was no uproar like the day I wore mine. That tells me something, I guess.

This past month a crisis was averted when we were able to extend leases for the current school year for student housing in Iqaluit. I congratulate the Finance Minister, Mr. Todd, and Education Minister, Mr. Dent, for their expedient reaction to the dilemma we found ourselves in.

Mr. Speaker, this was a short-term, stop-gap solution. Can the minister inform this House, the people of the NWT, because there are other areas affected by this, what is being planned to ensure suitable and long-term housing for these Arctic College students? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Oral questions, supplementary, Mr. Picco.