Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 1-13(3), asked by Mr. Enuaraq to the Premier concerning the regional director's position.

The Baffin regional director has played a very important role in coordinating the community wellness strategy. With the closing of regional director offices, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to ensure that the implementation of the community wellness strategy is coordinated at the regional level.

The Honourable Kelvin Ng, Minister of Health and Social Services, is responsible for the regional wellness strategy and is working with Cabinet Ministers to develop a broad framework to guide implementation. The Minister of Health and Social Services would be better prepared to address questions regarding the development of that framework and any plans under consideration for the Baffin region.

It is, of course, important that overall program and service delivery in all regions continues to be coordinated after the closing of regional directors' offices. That coordination begins with the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the envelope committee system established by this government. The coordination continues through to government departments which have worked together within the same envelope system to create three-year business plans. Deputy minister committees consistent with the envelope system have also been created to allow for improved planning, coordination and information sharing between departments.

It is this improved planning, cooperation and communication at all levels of government which will form the basis for

ensuring the coordinated delivery of government programs and services in the regions and at the community level.