Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. I would like to send our condolences to Mr. Evaloarjuk, who lost his mother. Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if Her Honour, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, is prepared to enter the Chamber and open this Third Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

--- 0 Canada

Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, good afternoon. I am pleased to welcome you to the Third Session of the 13th Assembly. This is the start of the Assembly's first budget session. The session will be recessed later this month until the Minister of Finance presents the government's budget for 1996-97 in late April or early May. Before it recesses, the government will be seeking approval for interim appropriations to cover expenses until the main budget is approved. During the session, the government will also be presenting a number of other bills for the consideration of Members.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, the agenda for change outlined by the government and this Assembly since taking office in November is more than just avoiding a projected deficit and keeping our spending at a level we can afford. It is also about people in the communities, our neighbours and our friends. It is about making it possible for them to take control so they can set their own priorities and make their own decisions on the way programs and services are delivered at the local level. It is about self-sufficiency, self-determination, northern control over northern resources and taking our place within a Canada that understands and recognizes the important role of our people and our land within Confederation.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has a population of strong and determined people. They are people who want to get the job done and who are prepared to make sacrifices in order to achieve a new and brighter future. You don't hear much about them. You seldom hear them on the radio, see them on television or read about them in the newspapers. In today's society, there is often more attention paid to reporting negative or controversial issues. In the process, we frequently forget there are thousands of northern residents who live together in harmony and have a wellness of body, spirit and mind that continues to be the backbone

of this territory. They want the Territories to succeed, and they are taking the time to help others in need, often at their own expense.

Mr. Speaker, in recent months, I travelled to a number of communities to speak with many of our residents and to present a number of Commissioner's awards. This afternoon, I want to officially recognize some of them. They include Andy Kaotalok of Cambridge Bay; Ernie Paul Isaiah of Fort Simpson; Jack Lee Mouse of Fort Simpson; and, Ernest Wayne Loutit of Fort Simpson. All of these men were presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery. Emmanuel Felix Senior, of Tuktoyaktuk, was given a Commissioner's Award for Public Service. In addition, I will be presenting a Commissioner's Award for Bravery to Michael Teener of Whale Cove in the near future and letters of commendation to Sam Kenerk, James Kununak, and Clarence Siutinnuaq, all of Gjoa Haven, and Peter Anikina and John Dick of Tuktoyaktuk.

Mr. Speaker, I also had the honour recently of congratulating Brenda Kanayuk of Pond Inlet who was presented with the National Native Role Model Award, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, for her work as a recreation leader and a general leader of youth throughout the Baffin region. And, finally, I have just recently returned from the Arctic Winter Games where I had the opportunity to witness excellent games and hundreds of athletes and coaches, volunteers and supporters working towards the common objectives of good sportsmanship.

Mr. Speaker, it is people like these -- and thousands of others who live here -- who will make it possible to shape a new identity for the Northwest Territories in the 21 st century. No single individual will solve all of our problems. But by working together in a positive fashion, we will make sure the potential of our human and natural resources is realized and contributes to a sense of community wellness, dignity and personal accomplishment. That is what the agenda for change is all about. That is what we are working toward and that is what we will achieve.

Mr. Speaker, during this session, your government will be introducing a legislative program that includes the following bills for the consideration of this House:

Amendments to existing legislation include: An Act to Amend the Education Act; An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act; An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act; and, An Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act.

New acts include the following: Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 to June 30, 1996; Appropriation Act, 1996-97; Forgiveness of Debts Act, 1995-96; Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1995-96; Write-off of Debts Act, 1995-96; and, Loan Authorization Act, 1996-97.

Mr. Speaker, the government considers all of these bills essential to the good conduct of government business and I recommend passage for each of these acts.

At this point, I would like to commend you for your earnest consideration and wise judgement of the business of this House as I declare open the Third Session of the 13th Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

--- Applause

Good Afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a statement last month, I advised Members that we would be restructuring our organization to save administrative costs, to provide focus to the priorities of this government and to make government more effective for the people that it serves.

The restructuring of government comes as a direct result of both our budget planning process and the priorities that have been established by this government.

Today, I am announcing a number of renewed ministerial and senior management assignments that will place this government in a better position to achieve the objectives and priorities that we have established in cooperation with the standing committees of this House.

Effective Monday, March 25th:

The Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will become Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Mr. Kakfwi will maintain his responsibility for the Department of Renewable Resources and national constitutional affairs.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kakfwi is being tasked with the responsibility for amalgamating the three key departments responsible for sustainable development.

The new department will have the prime responsibility for developing and implementing strategies to meet this government's priority of sustainable development and job creation.

The Honourable Kelvin Ng maintains his existing responsibility for Health and Social Services and will become the Minister of Justice.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that the social problems facing the Northwest Territories are many and that the cost of providing these programs is climbing relentlessly. With responsibility for both Health and Social Services and Justice, Mr. Ng can better coordinate this government's efforts to deal with our social problems.

The Deputy Premier, the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, maintains his responsibility for Public Works and Services and will become the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, these responsibilities have been combined under one Minister because of the similar functions of these departments.

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken many times over the past number of months about the importance for this government and for northerners to gain control over northern resources. The negotiation of a northern accord on oil and gas and minerals remains a priority of this government. I will continue to be the lead Minister in these negotiations. To coordinate our efforts to deal with federal Ministers on this and other issues, the responsibility for intergovernmental affairs will be transferred to my office. Mr. Speaker, all other ministerial assignments will remain the same.

I have consulted with my Cabinet colleagues concerning deputy minister assignments to ensure that we match the skills of our senior managers to the job that must be done. The following changes are being made, effective Monday, March 25th:

Andrew Gamble will leave Transportation to become the deputy minister responsible for the consolidation of the departments of Economic Development and Tourism, Renewable Resources and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources;

Penny Ballantyne will move from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to assist the Honourable Manitok Thompson in implementing the community empowerment initiative of this government as the deputy minister of Municipal and Community Affairs;

Bob Doherty will move from Public Works and Services to become deputy minister of Transportation;

Ken Lovely will leave Health and Social Services to become deputy minister of Public Works and Services;

David Ramsden will move from Municipal and Community Affairs to become deputy minister of Health and Social Services;

Joe Handley will leave Renewable Resources to become the president of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation;

Don Cooper, presently director for the Department of Justice's legal division, will become the deputy minister of that department; and, Bob McLeod, presently assistant deputy minister of Renewable Resources will become acting deputy minister of that department until it is consolidated with Economic Development and Tourism and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Mr. Speaker, these changes are significant. They task individual Ministers and Cabinet in a better position to work with the standing committees of this House to accomplish the priorities of this government. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the major issues of contention during consideration of amendments to the Public Service Act in February was the change to the exclusion provision of the bill. The Union of Northern Workers expressed their concerns that this provision of the act would be used indiscriminately and would result in over 35 per cent of current unionized employees being excluded.

Mr. Speaker, I gave my assurance that the changes to this provision of the act would only increase exclusions by approximately six per cent of the total number of GNWT employees. To reaffirm this, I made a commitment to this House to table a list of the employees excluded from the bargaining unit under the amended Public Service Act.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a revised list of excluded employees. This list clearly shows that I have met my commitment. The number of exclusions have increased from 717 to 1,050, a total increase of 333 employees. In fact, this represents a five per cent increase in new exclusions, from 11 to 16 per cent of the total number of GNWT employees.

This listing clearly defines who is a member of the bargaining units representing our employees and will, in future, limit any conflict or misunderstanding about who has the right to strike.

Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the exclusion provision of the Public Service Act remains a concern for the membership of the Union of Northern Workers, I have asked my officials to work with the executive of the union to find an arrangement for monitoring exclusions that will ensure that this provision of the act continues to be applied in a fair and consistent manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to attend a ministerial conference on the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy in Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Item 3, Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been concerns raised by some Members over the proposed reorganization of Keewatin resupply operations. I have, therefore, decided, with the Minister of Public Works and Services, to re-establish the Keewatin Resupply Steering Committee and to revisit the possible resupply options in the Keewatin region.

The committee will be made up of the three Keewatin MLAs, representatives of six Keewatin communities, the Kivalliq Inuit Association and the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce. The MLA for Kivallivik, Mr. Kevin O'Brien, has kindly agreed to chair the steering committee.

The committee will review all the options, costs and related community concerns to determine the best approach to the delivery of bulk fuel and dry cargo to the Keewatin communities. I have asked that the committee provide its recommendation by the end of June 1996. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Ministers' statements. I would like to thank the band who were just playing out there. For the Members' information, that was the Sir John Franklin Symphony.

--- Applause

I will also write a letter thanking them. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the fishery in Baffin Island. My constituency, and those of other Baffin MLAs, lies next to waters in Davis Strait which contain a lot of turbot. In fact, Canada is about to allocate a quota of 12,500 tonnes in this area, which is called area "0." Mr. Speaker, these waters are next to our communities. Article 15 of our Inuit land claim agreement requires that the Government of Canada recognize and give special consideration to "the principles of adjacency and economic dependence of Nunavut communities" in allocating commercial fishing licences.

Mr. Speaker, four licences are being applied for from the Baffin region totalling 3,000 tonnes. They are from Pangnirtung Fisheries, Broughton Island HTA, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board. The last two applications will represent the entire Baffin region, which means that all communities of Baffin will benefit if these licences are granted.

Mr. Speaker, we know that we are facing strong competition from the South for these licences, even though the fish are in our waters. I pledge my full support to these applicants from my region. If we can obtain our requested allocation of 3,000 tonnes, this will be worth about $12 million.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Complete your statement.

Mr. Speaker, this is a much-needed economic opportunity for communities where unemployment and the cost of living is much too high. I will be urging my fellow Baffin MLAs and the Minister of Renewable Resources, and his officials, to devote every effort to seeking the approval of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Honourable Fred Mifflin, for our fair share of these valuable groundfish from our waters.

--- Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. On Monday, March 18th, the beneficiaries of the Nunavut land claim voted in the election for a position on the executive of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. The results were announced yesterday on behalf of the Nunavut Caucus. As the co-chair of the Nunavut Caucus, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jose Kusugak on his re-election to the presidency of NTI.

--- Applause

I have appreciated, Mr. Speaker, the opportunity to work with these gentlemen in the past. I look forward to working with them in the Assembly and NTI to cooperate in preparing for the creation of Nunavut in 1999. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 4, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This statement is directed to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. In recent discussions about the capital plan in communities in my constituency, I learned that communities like Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, with populations under 250, are not eligible for an arena and are only eligible for an outdoor rink.

Mr. Speaker, the severe wind and cold experienced much of the year in these High Arctic communities in my constituency means that an outdoor rink, unless there is protection from the wind and blowing snow, would be quite inappropriate.

I know that the government believes in investing in our youth in these small communities. They are very much in need of winter recreation opportunities. I know they would love to skate and play hockey.

Mr. Speaker, community leaders agree that it would be very helpful if the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs would consider modifying their outdoor rink program to take into account the extreme climates of communities like Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. The communities would like to see if a way could be found to protect an outdoor rink using a frame-sprung structure. I understand that this kind of facility, which is not too costly, has worked well for many years in Nanisivik, although it must be properly maintained.

Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs for her support towards our goal. I am hopeful that the Minister and her officials would be open to modifying the policies and programs now in place respecting outdoor rinks, to allow for some shelter in extreme climates. Also, I have asked the Minister if her officials in recreation could advise on what kind of structure would be able to withstand the strong winds and cold climate and also what would be the most cost-effective.

Finally, if there is any other innovative solution which you might consider, it would also be appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I look forward to working with the honourable Minister and her staff and obtaining support from my colleagues in this Assembly to come up with a different approach to outdoor rinks which will work in the wind and cold of the High Arctic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off by saying hello to Floyd Roland, his wife and kids up in Inuvik, and my wife and kids in Iqaluit.

--- Applause

Mr. Speaker, I presented myself to be auctioned off for one hour of my time listening to any constituent who would buy me. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I was bought and sold. To keep Ed Picco quiet for one hour cost a well-known Iqaluit businessman $1,000. I would like to thank Mr. Kenn Harper for that.

--- Applause

Mr. Speaker, I am today inviting the Honourable John Todd to come to the next Nunavut Trade Show so that he can finally say that he kept me quiet and we hope it is for more than $1,000, as all the money raised goes to Iqaluit day cares and the Baffin Chamber of Commerce for charity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the recent outbreak of the RSV virus in the Keewatin region. While this virus has affected many communities in our region, none have been as seriously affected as my home community of Arviat. Mr. Speaker, there have been over 50 known cases of this virus in Arviat; approximately 50 per cent of those children had to be medevaced to hospitals in the South. The RSV virus attacks the respiratory system and is extremely dangerous to children under the age of two. I regret to inform you, Mr. Speaker, that, to date, two small infants from Arviat have died from this virus.

Mr. Speaker, aside from the tremendous human cost resulting from the spread of this virus, it also highlighted many of the underlying social and economic problems that communities such as Arviat and Baker Lake must deal with, such as the rapidly expanding population that is placing tremendous strain on both their health and social safety net; unemployment levels are by far the highest in the country; and a chronic shortage of housing that has resulted in severe overcrowding. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these problems will only increase until dramatic action is taken and comprehensive strategies developed to deal with them.

For the past six months, we have spoken a great deal in the House about deficit management and the need to balance the budget. These are extremely important issues and I believe this House must address them as a priority. However, I am concerned that we are driven by deficit management to the detriment of dealing with the human issues facing our communities. I was pleased to hear the Premier's announcement that he was establishing an Advisory Council on the Economy and Employment, inviting business people from across the North to provide advice on these important issues. The business community will bring an important perspective to our discussions on these matters.

Equally important, Mr. Speaker, is that these issues be given the same emphasis by Members of this House. We must play an important role in the debate and development of strategies that will adequately deal with the tremendous social and economic problems facing our communities. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties ... Mr. Speaker, I ask for consent to continue my statement.

Thank you. The Member for Kivallivik is seeking unanimous consent. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties, this is the single most important issue that this Assembly faces. In essence, what steps should we take to improve the social and economic conditions in our communities across the North?

Mr. Speaker, I note that these issues were addressed by the Special Committee on the Northern Economy during the 11th Assembly. It is my view that we must pick up where this committee left off. I believe a committee of this House should be struck to deal with the pressing social and economic issues that we face. The committee should work in conjunction with the work of the Premier's advisory council, to develop strategies that will address these problems.

While I recognize that in these times of fiscal restraint we must ensure that expenditures are kept at a minimum, we must also recognize that to make no investment in finding solutions to these problems will only cost the government more in the long term.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude my statement, I would like to ask the Members of this House to join me in thanking the many people of Arviat for their efforts in trying to deal with this situation in the community. In particular, I would like to publicly thank the nurses and other staff members at the nursing station who put in countless hours to deal with this illness under very stressful and trying circumstances.

Hear! Hear!

--- Applause

Finally, Mr. Speaker, and most important, I would like to offer my sincere condolences on behalf of the Members of this House to the families of the two young infants who passed away due to this virus. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Matna.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the bowl-a-thon fund-raiser for the Kids' Help Phone which was held last Saturday at the Polar Bowl in Yellowknife, especially my fellow Members.

Approximately $65,000 was raised for the Kids' Help Phone. Of the $65,000, $25,000 was donated by the Yellowknife Elks Lodge; $7,000 from the Hay River bowl-a-thon; and, $33,000 from the Yellowknife bowl-a-thon. The Yellowknife MLAs' team of Roy Erasmus, Charles Dent and myself raised $900, with the Honourable Charles Dent being the leader in pledges.

You have already, Mr. Speaker, thanked the Sir John Franklin Band, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for the entertainment which they have provided this afternoon at the opening of the House, and especially for the playing of 0 Canada. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 4, Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am a bit concerned about the dismantling of the Department of Personnel. I think it may be going a little too fast and that there's nothing in place to ensure that hiring is done properly. If there is a plan, then I'm unaware of it. If there is no plan, then we need one quickly.

We've all heard of the horror stories of favouritism and nepotism. We've heard of people who should be a priority, because of affirmative action, not getting an interview and I've recently had to address one of those situations. I've also heard of people who are not a priority being told not to bother applying because they're not aboriginal, and that shouldn't be happening.

We need a plan to ensure that people who are born in the North get jobs. We know that every year when the students come home there's a big hullabaloo about affirmative action and kids are afraid they're not going to get jobs. We need to avert that this year. Again, I have to stress that our priority is the people who are born in the North. We need to give them jobs. Our students are our future. Those people who are born in the North are not likely to leave here, so we need to give them jobs and training to get them off social assistance. I must say that I would like to see some kind of a plan and some kind of a team in place to be a watchdog to ensure that all our hiring policies are being followed. Not only that, but to design and implement some type of job creation strategy for our students and for our unemployed. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Item 4, Members' statements. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Miltenberger.

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce some people from my community. In the past six months, I think on a few occasions I had to recognize all those who hadn't been recognized. After six months, I finally get someone to come and visit and I would like to introduce and welcome the deputy mayor of Baker Lake, Peter Tapatai; hamlet counsellor, Frank Tootoo; and, Baker Lake businessman, Ron Bodner. Thank you.

--- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a long-time Iqaluit resident and a supporter of mine during the last election, Betty Boreham.

--- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier, on behalf of the Nunavut Caucus that is scheduled to meet in Arviat. I believe that the Premier knows that the Nunavut Caucus is anxious to hold a meeting of Nunavut leaders with DIAND Minister, Ron Irwin, to discuss the submission Mr. Irwin will soon be bringing to the federal Cabinet concerning implementation of Nunavut. My question to the Premier: Has the Premier had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Irwin about the meeting with the Nunavut leaders to discuss the federal Cabinet decision?

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I have had the opportunity to discuss that paper with Mr. Irwin, not in as great a detail as I would have liked to have had. I would like, at this time, to inform the honourable Member that we do now have a Division committee of Cabinet that is going to handle all division issues relating to the establishment of the two new territories. The Honourable John Todd, as Minister of Finance, will be chairing that committee, so possibly any further questions on division could be referred to Mr. Todd. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the honourable Premier of this government. Mr. Speaker, there are communities, especially the smaller communities, which have major, major investments in the area of hotels and bed and breakfasts. There are times when major contractors come into our communities doing government contract projects who choose not to stay in the commercial accommodations. There are cases in my area where the contractors have stayed in their own building in the community, whereas the community has the accommodation available. I'm mainly speaking for Gjoa Haven. There have been some cases in Pelly Bay and, of course, Taloyoak. My question to the honourable Premier of this government is will he reinforce the directive and policy of this government to ensure that people who come into our communities doing a government contract stay in the commercial accommodation in those communities. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Previously, as the Minister responsible for DPW and the Housing

Corporation and the majority of the contracts in the Northwest Territories, we had redeveloped that policy of commercial accommodation at the community level. When contractors came into the community, we made it very clear, I had thought, in the tender documents, that contractors, when coming into the community, will use commercial accommodation: hotels, first; then bed and breakfasts. If that is not happening, let me assure the Member that we will send out another directive to make sure they do follow up. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you kindly, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the Premier of this government: Will the honourable Premier of this government direct his staff to communicate with the board of directors of the Gjoa Haven Co-op -- this is where the concern is coming from -- as soon as possible? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every day, while we are in this House, we have staff listening to what is going on in this House so that questions can be followed up immediately. I am sure that my faithful EA is listening and she will follow it up immediately and have the department contact the co-op immediately. Thank you.

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

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all, although there was an increase in the impact on some residents of our long-term care facilities, the move was to standardize rates within all long-term care facilities throughout the Northwest Territories. We had level I and 11 care facilities and level III and IV care facilities with different rates that were charged to the residents. In some cases, the rates actually went down instead of going up.

As far as the specific question raised by the honourable Member, the Aven Centre contribution from the department is net of any revenues that they receive. What we do is give them, based on their budget that's submitted for approval to the department, whatever they don't receive in rents; we give them the balance in a contribution to operate the facility. In effect, if the rents were to go up, then the funding amount from the department would decrease correspondingly, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd. It is my understanding that the GNWT and the Union of Northern Workers have recently completed hearings in which our government was found guilty of wrongdoing over a 10-year span from 1985 to 1995. I would like to ask the Minister responsible if it is true that the GNWT has been found guilty of violating the terms of the collective agreement, and would the Minister please provide the arbitration rulings for review by the Members of the House.

Just to remind the Members about sub judice convention, in which anything that is in the courts and is being processed in the courts cannot be asked in this House; but I will ask the Minister of Finance whether or not there has been a judgment passed and that the judgement can be passed on to the Member. If it is in the courts, then I must say that the question would be out of order; but I will ask Mr. Todd if he could clarify that.

Mr. Speaker, I think I'll take the question as notice.

Your question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while in my riding over the past couple of weeks, several GNWT employees were given eviction notices as the GNWT was giving up housing leases. By not renewing leases, in many cases the evicted tenants are having a difficult time finding alternate and affordable accommodations, especially young families. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Housing: Is the Housing Corporation helping evicted tenants find alternate accommodations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not fully aware at this time what specific tenants the honourable Member is referring to. If he were to get me that information then perhaps we could work with them if there are difficulties finding alternate accommodation. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

A new question, Mr. Speaker.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Iqaluit has been selected as the capital of Nunavut. While in my riding over the last couple of weeks, several of my constituents had asked me what the infrastructure plans are for the capital, when will it begin, and what are the logistics that will be put in place to make this happen. Mr. Speaker, my question is either for the Finance Minister or the Premier: Will they inform this House what logistic plans are on the table for the new capital of Nunavut?

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That level of detail, at this time, has not been concluded with the three parties that are involved through the political accord: the GNWT, the federal government and NTI. Discussions are currently under way with respect to the federal Cabinet submission that is going in on this initial submission for Nunavut. In that document, which goes to the federal Cabinet, we have to be a party to the detail of it because of the confidential nature and the fact that it's a Cabinet document. We were given some assurances -- Mr. Morin, myself, Mr. Eetoolook from NTI and Mr. Amagoalik from the NIC -- that once that document is approved, assuming it's approved by the federal Cabinet, Mr. Irwin would share the detail of it with us later next month when the Nunavut leaders' summit meets somewhere in Nunavut. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Minister responsible for Public Works and Services, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there is a policy respecting the use of government vehicles.

Thank you. Supplementary, Ms. Groenewegen.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, it does. I would be more than pleased to share a copy of the policy with the Member.

Item 6, oral question. Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that the Metis Nation is now working on this issue. We, as a government, have assisted aboriginal groups on the whole fur-ban issue. We have been greatly involved in the development of quick-kill traps and other areas that would help to alleviate the problem of a fur ban in Europe. I fully understand that one country has adopted a ban on all furs imported from Canada. I believe it is the Metis Nation that has taken them to court. When I was at the Delta-Beaufort regional leadership conference last month, Mr. Hagen raised the point that we could possibly be looking at, as a government, not purchasing things that are made by those countries or not purchasing products that were owned by people living in those countries that would not purchase products that were trapped in the Northwest Territories. We are considering that and we would look into that. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Health and Social Services. The Metis people of the Northwest Territories are currently eligible for Metis health benefits similar to those that the Dene people receive. The Metis Nation is registering the Metis people for those benefits. I've received some complaints from members of the Yellowknife Metis Council, which do not belong to the Metis Nation, and they've been told that they have to join the Metis Nation in order to be eligible for these benefits. My question is: Do the Metis have to register as a member of the Metis Nation in order to be eligible for those benefits?

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as it stands now with the existing policy, yes, Metis have to be registered with the Metis Nation to be eligible for benefits. However, that concern has been brought forward, we're aware of it, and the department is currently preparing a decision paper for the Executive Council to amend the provision of the policy to allow for all Metis to be eligible.

Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the animosity and the distrust between the Metis Nation and the Yellowknife Metis Council, would it be possible for the Yellowknife Metis Council to register their own members for the benefits rather than having them registering at the Metis Nation?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point I would say yes, it's something that I'd be willing to take a look at. I'd have to see what agreement is currently in place with the Metis Nation as far as the registration and enrolment process to see whether we can enter into that with the Yellowknife Metis. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask this question of the chair of the Cabinet Committee on Division; Mr. Todd. Can Mr. Todd tell us whether Mr. Irwin would be willing to meet with Nunavut leaders to let us know what federal Cabinet has decided for this division? Thank you.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Irwin did agree in a meeting held earlier this month with the Premier, myself and others, to meet with the Nunavut leaders in Nunavut -- hopefully, at the end of April -- to discuss, in detail, some of the areas of concern with respect to the Nunavut issue. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, petitions. Item 9, reports of standing and special committees. Item 10, tabling of documents.

In accordance with resolution 14-13(1), dated December 14, 1995, I wish to table the following document: Tabled Document 1-13(3), Report of the Commission on MLAs' Compensation, dated March 4,1996.

Tabling of documents, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table the following document: Tabled Document 2-13(3), a letter from Kekertak Cooperative Limited, from the board of directors of Kekertak Cooperative Limited, regarding commercial accommodation at Gjoa Haven. Thank you.

Item 10, tabling of documents. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Item 10, tabling of documents. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document: Tabled Document 4-13(3), a list of the current and proposed exclusions under the new Public Service Act.

Thank you. Item 10, tabling of documents. Item 11, notices of motion. Mr. Miltenberger.

Item 11, notices of motion. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, March 22, 1996, I will move the following motion: I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Iqaluit, that, pursuant to section 18 of the Official Languages Act, Judi Mary Tutcho be appointed as Languages Commissioner; and further, that the appointment be effective May 1, 1996.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to proceed with the motion today. Thank you.

Item 11, notices of motion. Item 12, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, March 22, 1996, I shall move that Bill 1, Interim Appropriation Act, April 1 to June 30, 1996, be read for the first time. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 12, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, March 22, 1996, I shall move that Bill 2, Write-off of Debts Act, 1995-96, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 12, notices of motions for first reading of bills.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, March 22, 1996, I shall move that Bill 3, Forgiveness of Debts Act, 1995-96, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.