Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is the whole reason for the discussion paper. If the majority of the members should move ahead then it will be happening, the plans and everything else according to the work plan of this document. But the discussion has to take place and I am not going to pre-empt that discussion. Thank you.

Thank you. I now recognize Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like some clarity on this lay-off notice issue. Yesterday Mr. Morin indicated in a response to me, it is in the Hansard, of course it is not the final version but the unedited version says, that the member is not exactly correct by saying that notices have to

be given by January 1st, 1997. But yet today in response to a statement that I made, he indicates that they have to give notice by January 1st, if there is going to be three months notice, if there are going to be people laid-off as a result of the budget. So, I would like to have clarification. What is actually in that collective agreement, or whatever agreement they have with the union, if it is not in the collective agreement, if it is some other agreement. What is the actual wording and what does it actually say? What are the requirements for lay-offs? Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The reason the member got the answers he did is because one has to do with a discussion paper on the proposed amalgamation. Lay-off notices do not have to go out January 1st because you have not made a decision yet. We are just discussing it.

On the budget, because you are preparing the budget based on the business plans, the members have been through, we have to according to, whether it is the collective agreement -- I will get the member where it is exactly through the finance minister -- you have give lay-off notices 90 days in advance. That is through the budget process. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does the Premier mean to tell me that if something in the proposed budget which has not been approved, that they propose to lay off people because of the amount of money that is going to be in their budget, they have to give notices in the beginning of January before the budget is approved. Is that what he is saying?

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Minister of Finance says he addressed that yesterday and that is correct.

General comments. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is it possible for us to get some documentation that shows this?

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes the Minister of Finance will make that information available to all members of the Legislative Assembly. He will just send you the information.

That is noted. Are there any more general comments on the item we are considering at this time, tabled document 13-13(4), Discussion Paper on Amalgamation of Infrastructure Department? Are there further discussion on this. Do we agree this matter is concluded, Mr. Ootes?

Motion is in order as read. To the motion. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, the member is asking for a recorded vote. Before we vote, I have Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Chairman, I would just like perhaps clarification on perhaps the intent of the motion. As per the discussion document, there is a certain amount of pre-work and further study needed and a look into critical issues et cetera that has to be done by staff. This will give us a better understanding and maybe a more intelligent debate on the issue perhaps some of that information the Government Operations Committee could use.

Perhaps if it could be clarified to me, is this motion suggesting that we put a hold and a stop to the pre-work that is being done now?

Thank you, I guess, perhaps the mover of the motion can allude to the second paragraph. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Ootes, do you want to have a further final say on this motion or ... okay. Question is being called. All those in favour please stand.