Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently amended terms and conditions of employment require the government to shut down its operations over the Christmas period in order to provide a block of five mandatory days of leave without pay for employees in non-continuous operations. I am announcing today that most government operations and services will be shut down from December 23, 1996 through January 1, 1997.

Employees have received payroll stuffers and electronic mail messages informing them of the mandatory days off, as well as, the effect this will have on their pay cheques.

Specific departments that will be shut down over the Christmas period are Northwest Territories Housing Corporation; Education, Culture and Employment; Finance; Safety and Public Services; Legislative Assembly; RWED; and Executive.

Offices in the Departments of Transportation; Justice; MACA; Public Works and Services; and, Health and Social Services will be closed but certain facilities and services will continue to function.

For instance, motor vehicle offices in Yellowknife and Iqaluit will be closed but their contract offices in other communities will remain open. Airport, highway and ferry services will also remain available. Correctional facilities and services will operate over Christmas. Public Works and Services will continue to provide building security and maintenance for government buildings.

As well, the Emergency Measures Organization, Fire Marshall and office of Municipal and Community Affairs will maintain their emergency phone numbers during the shutdown period. Health centres will remain open and health and social services will be advising clients and residents of the levels of service available in each community.

The government will be informing the public and clients of the shutdown period and the services available over that period through means such as posters, announcements, correspondence or advertisements in all communities. In addition, the Office of the Press Secretary will be issuing a news release advising of the Christmas shutdown period. Thank you.