Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Deputy Premier and it's about the Executive functions in the regions now that the regional directors are going to no longer be with us. Can the Deputy Premier tell us, will each region be developing a clear, specific plan of how the regional function will be implemented so that, for instance, when I as MLA go back to the Fort Smith, I'll know the process? In the past this was very clear; there was somebody deemed to be in charge. Could the Deputy Premier indicate whether they will be doing those kinds of specific plans so that we will be fully covered in that area? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm assuming that wasn't taken as notice, but was a response that he would pass on the request. I would also ask the Deputy Premier that when he is passing on that concern that he would pass on the request that those regional plans, should there be a plan for them to exist, be shared with this House as soon as possible so that when we go back to our respective constituencies we have a very clear idea of how the government is going to be providing that very critical function. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the individual who is in contact with the MLA should be advised to contact my office and we can assist the MLA by directing that particular individual to the proper people if he is serious about providing a market for those products that come out of Fort McPherson and Aklavik. A particular reference to a noted columnist I cannot respond to, but I do know that the NWT Development Corporation apparently has some marketing strategy for some of the products that we have in production in the Northwest Territories and I would be pleased to provide copies of that strategy to the Members in the next day or so. I understand they are available, so I will be pleased to provide that to the Members. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is addressed to the Minister of Renewable Resources in reference to my earlier statement about the amalgamation of the departments. I wonder if the Minister could tell me if the report that he will be releasing on Friday to the Members outlines the benefits and directions of amalgamation.

Mr. Speaker, as I understood, in taking on this new responsibility, the Standing Committee on Government Operations had requested a draft consolidation plan for the three departments to be submitted to the committee. Initially it was March 15th; the date was then moved to the end of March. It's my understanding, from talking to Andrew Gamble, the deputy minister responsible for consolidation of these departments, that we will have a draft consolidation plan to the committee by Friday of this week. The draft consolidation plan will give indications to the committee of what the objectives of the consolidation will be and will give some preliminary indications of what the benefits of the consolidation and other implications will be. It's my understanding that this was going to be a preliminary view by this government on the pros and cons of the consolidation. Hopefully, we will have some rough target dates within that draft consolidation plan about how and when we will be going about the business of consolidation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the target dates, can the Minister assure us that adequate time will be given to the standing committee to review the report, especially considering that in all likelihood, some of the Members will be in their constituencies for the next several weeks? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, it's my understanding that the Members of this Legislature, particularly the relevant committees, expect and will have full opportunity to have input, to review and comment on the draft consolidation plan that we will produce and provide whatever direction they feel is in the best interest of the public and this government. And that the Cabinet itself will also be fully involved in the move toward consolidation of these departments. There is absolutely zero possibility that

I, as a Minister, will play the lone ranger on this particular activity. Thank you.