Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier in my Member's statement, my question is directed to the honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, imagine a five or six-year-old child plodding away to school in weather that is minus 50 or 60; one day, some day, a child will be a provider, a child will be a leader, a child will be a doctor when you and I, Mr. Speaker, will be frail and old. Most of us, when we go to work in the dead of winter, have the luxury of using heated vehicles. But in some communities, we don't have such services. What are the criterias for communities across the Territories to be eligible to receive a school bussing service? Thank you.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened with interest as the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation informed us about the wind generating operations in Cambridge Bay, and my question is directed toward him. As I say, I listened with interest that 10 per cent of Cambridge Bay's electrical needs are being generated through wind power. Also, he wanted to know if there would be people willing to form partnerships to install generators in other communities. Before we have all kinds of people from Yellowknife running to become partners, is it possible or is it feasible to have these wind generators in the Yellowknife area?

Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Dent.

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Personnel. The Premier has announced the downsizing and amalgamation of different departments. I have received several calls from affected constituents. When will the affected employees be notified of possible lay-off, et cetera? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Premier, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we are presently redoing our business plans to present to the committees again. Once we are through that process and once the budget is approved in this Legislative Assembly, then there will be due process set up. If and when people are to be laid off, there are agreements with the union that have to be concluded so that there's a certain time, that everyone is treated fairly and given due consideration prior to that action being taken. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I do understand the process, but I've received word that some of these affected people have been told to get their resumes updated and they'll be gone on March 31st. So somewhere down the line, that information is not being passed. I agree with you that the business plans aren't completed and there may be changes. I think we have to inform our staff of that.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is also a process in place from the previous year that may be still being implemented in this year's budget process. Maybe that is why the Member is hearing this. Let me assure him, that any reductions or lay-offs of employees through this budget cycle process will be dealt with properly. Proper notice will be given and a proper benefits package will be involved to compensate employees. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mrs. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to verify the information he asked about, the total cost for the 1996 team is $1.533 million; GNWT contribution is $300,000; funds from the Sport North lottery contribution is $1 million; athlete contribution, registration fees, only $250,000; estimated total volunteer contribution, between $600,000 and $700,000 for the games process. Regional fees paid by athletes to offset travel costs to participate in the regional trials for the Arctic Winter Games were in excess of $166,000. Tomorrow I will be returning the oral question on how many government staff are going to the regional games. The question was asked by Jake Ootes. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mrs. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will get back to him with that. I'll take the question as notice. Thank you.