Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Good afternoon. Orders of the day, item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mrs. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to congratulate the 16 students who have graduated successfully from the first community land administration certificate program.

A graduation ceremony was held for graduates last month in Iqaluit, where the first course was held. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the four students who were named to the honour roll for outstanding achievement: Geoff Kusugak, Rankin Inlet; Levi Killiktee, Grise Fiord; Allen Oniak, Kugluktuk; and, Jerry Panigoniak, Arviat.

Mr. Speaker, article 14 of the Nunavut land claims agreement provides that title to municipal lands will be transferred to the communities of Nunavut by July 9th of this year. With ownership of the land comes community responsibility to administer the land.

To assist communities with this responsibility, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, in collaboration with Nunavut Arctic College, developed the community land administration certificate program. The goal of this program is to provide a northern training opportunity for municipal land administration.

Funding for the program was made possible through the support of the Nunavut Implementation Panel, which consists of members representing Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

The first program began in 1995, at the Nunatta Campus of the college in Iqaluit, and 17 of the 25 Nunavut municipalities sponsored students in the program,

Mr. Speaker, the 16 graduates of this first program are now working in their communities, helping to manage and administer municipal land.

Mr. Speaker, when I spoke recently to Members about the department's land reform initiatives, I indicated that training of community staff was a key cornerstone of our plans. We can point to their first class of graduates as concrete evidence of our commitment to this training and one of the examples of our efforts to empower communities.

Our efforts to train community land administrators will continue. Earlier this year, a second group of students began the community land administration program. This course is being offered in Rankin Inlet and we have 13 students; eight from Nunavut and, for the first time, five from the Western Arctic. The department is discussing plans for a similar program in the Western Arctic with Aurora College.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, the first graduates of the community land administration certificate program are already making an important contribution by helping community councils take over authority for lands within their boundaries. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many of us in the Northwest Territories make money. Many of us are provided with housing in our communities. We eat good, nutritious food. However, we have many concerns to deal with. If our pay level is going to be reduced, then we will have many problems. We have complained many times. We have expressed our concerns on TV and through the radio. We have also expressed our concerns through the newspapers. Many of us have expressed our concerns through forums such as meetings like this.

Mr. Speaker, the Inuit have their own concerns as well and have desires like us. They have relatives and children they have to take care of in their own communities. The Status of Women stated that women who have returned back to the Northwest Territories, as well as the band members in communities and Metis local members who have travelled outside of the Northwest Territories who apply for social assistance, have to wait for three months before they can get their application approved, even though they have children and need housing.

Mr. Speaker, may I have unanimous consent to conclude my Members' statement?

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

Mr. Speaker, the NWT is a very generous community. Most of us, Mr. Speaker, are fortunate to have jobs, a roof over our heads and able to have three square meals a day. There are those of us who have moved out of the NWT and come back after three months or more to be denied the social assistance and can't find accommodation for their families. Mr. Speaker, I am speaking for people who live here all their lives and move back from the South: Inuit; band members; Metis.

Mr. Speaker, I have received information from the Yellowknife Women's Centre about five cases of aboriginal people who have lived down south for three months or more. Having come back to the NWT, they try to get social assistance from the system and are told they have to live here for at least three months or more in order to be eligible for social assistance. These people come back to their home land only to be denied the rights to feed their families and find a roof over their head for their families. Mr. Speaker, in this day and age where most of us fight over the spoils of this government, surely there should be enough money to go around for those people in need.

At the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister of Social Services about the policy of this government in the area of social assistance programs. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. The Member for Thebacha is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are presently a number of legislative proposals before this Assembly which seek to make this government more accountable, open and responsible to the public we serve. The amendments proposed to the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act would allow for the appointments of a single Conflict of Interest Commissioner rather than the present panel of up to nine.

An important element of this proposed change is that of reducing the cost of investigations under the act, while providing experience and impartial handling of such reviews. The role of an Information and Privacy Commissioner, as proposed in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act would ensure that the decisions not to provide requested information made of public bodies can be impartially reviewed.

Another proposal being examined would create the office of the Northwest Territories ombudsman. An ombudsman would investigate allegations brought against this government of bias, improper influence, abuse of power or merely incompetence, neglect, idleness or other causes amounting to maladministration.

The role of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commissioner and ombudsman each strive to raise the level of service provided by this government. Each of the three offices function independently of government, thereby ensuring impartial and unbiased review. The powers of investigation and the ability to conduct quasi-judicial functions are also shared by each office. Because of the many similarities of these three offices, the creation of a comprehensive ombudsman's office would fulfil each of these roles while reducing the cost of delivering these programs to a level which will not only justify but also encourage the creation of an ombudsman's office.

Mr. Speaker, the residents of the Northwest Territories are no different than the residents of other jurisdictions in Canada when it comes to their need for governments to address the grievances of its citizens. For the public, the ombudsman is a welcome device for ensuring that justice is done and the bureaucracies treat their clients fairly, promptly and respectfully. For bureaucracies, it is an additional failsafe check on their operations to ensure that any mistakes that have been...

Your time is up, Mr. Henry.

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

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent ... Can we have some order in the House, please? The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am content with that. For the public, the ombudsman is a welcome device for ensuring that justice is done and that bureaucracies treat their clients fairly, promptly and respectfully. I think that is worth repeating twice. For bureaucracies, it is an additional failsafe check on their operations to ensure that any mistakes that have not been spotted are eventually caught and rectified. It also serves to identify unintentional impacts of otherwise well-intentioned procedures.

The cost of bringing these three offices under the umbrella of an ombudsman office would certainly be far less than separate agencies. It has been suggested that the access to information and privacy legislation could cost as much as $3 million. An ombudsman's office fulfilling all three roles could be operational on an annual budget of much less. Clearly, this government must be cautious in any new spending. However, the creation of an ombudsman's office would send the undeniable message that this government is committed to change, away from the ivory tower politics towards the philosophy of accessibility and collaboration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during my election campaign, one of the main concerns I heard many times from my constituents had to do with regularly-scheduled air transport, or lack of it, between the communities of Repulse Bay, Igloolik and Pelly Bay. For instance, if one wishes to travel to Repulse Bay from other communities, they have to stop in Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield and Coral Harbour or even Iqaluit on most schedules. Currently, there are three airlines that serve the Keewatin and Kitikmeot areas: Calm Air; Skyward; and, First Air. None of them make direct flights between Repulse Bay, Pelly Bay and Igloolik. The people I represent have strongly voiced to me their wish to have more direct flights provided between the communities I mentioned. These, traditionally, have been closely-connected communities through intermarriages and family lines.

The present schedule makes it difficult to travel back and forth among their relatives and friends. Mr. Speaker, I believe that if there were direct flights between these communities, they would be well used. This could provide healthy and much-needed competition, it would also save a lot of time, trouble and expense for my constituents.

I would suggest that flights could ideally be set up so that people could conveniently make visits and return home without having to make them travel a long way there and back. I will have more direct questions to the appropriate Minister later on in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends) ... complex situation which is arising in my constituency. As I see it, there may be a possible conflict between Parks Canada's plan to consider a new national park at northern Bathurst Island and a strong expression of interest in those same lands for new ore reserves for Polaris Mine.

Parks Canada first expressed interest in the park in 1992. A study to look into whether a park should be feasible began in October 1995. The geological survey of Canada is also doing mineral and energy resource assistance of northern Bathurst Island. Many meetings have been held in Resolute Bay about these proposed developments. Many parties are getting involved: the federal departments; territorial departments; the Baffin Regional Inuit Association; and, Cominco, owner of Polaris Mine.

Lately, the Canadian Nature Federation and the World Wildlife Fund are getting involved. The community of Resolute Bay is in the ... (inaudible). It isn't surprising that there are differences of opinion within the community. There are some people, for example, who support the land withdrawal until the studies are completed. Others are concerned about how a new park might affect Polaris Mine. The president of Cominco has stated that Cominco would like to explore northern Bathurst Island because they want to find a new ore body before Polaris is out of ore.

The company says that a land withdrawal would prevent them from exploring the area. Natural Resources Canada is opposed to the land withdrawal as well. They would like to see this area of high mineral potential left open to exploration.

On the other hand, DIAND and Parks Canada support the land withdrawal. Recently, a position about land withdrawal has been referred to the Minister of DIAND, Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Heritage.

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

The Member for High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Please conclude your statement, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It seems like our government may not be involved in this important decision which will affect my community, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the Government of the Northwest Territories has so far not taken a position on these issues. I wish to say today that I will be relying on the Minister of the Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Renewable Resources and Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Kakfwi, to help ensure that the right decision is taken on this important issue. I will say that I believe Polaris Mine is an important part of the economy of my region and the Northwest Territories, although I would very much like to see them employ more of my constituents. I would be

concerned if the mine were to close in a few years because they are denied access to new supplies of ore. On the other hand, I know there are concerns regarding calving grounds of Perry caribou at northern Bathurst Island and they must be protected.

Mr. Speaker, I hope, in working with Mr. Kakfwi, we can find a balanced, reasonable way of approaching these possible conflicts. I will have general comments and questions later today when we are dealing with replies to the budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recently in my home community of Rae-Edzo, we had a passing of a well liked, hard-working family man, Mr. John Mackenzie. This man was struck down in the prime of his life. He had a family to watch grow, a family who enjoyed his company and who had everything to look forward to. Unfortunately, like many others in the North, he had cancer. As many know, this is a terrible ordeal for families and friends and, in many cases, the comfort of others makes life seem better.

Today, I would like to thank the honourable Minister, Stephen Kakfwi, for caring about the needs of the family by attending the funeral and providing his condolences to the family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use two seconds of my time to say you are looking rather nice today, with the fancy decoration around your neck.

--- Applause

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring Members of this House up to date on the applications made recently to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for the right to catch groundfish in all waters next to Baffin Island. Applications for licences to catch these fish, which are in our waters, were made by all Baffin communities, through the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Federation and, as well, the communities of Pangnirtung, Broughton Island and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans gave a total of 1,500 tonnes to Baffin Island applicants and gave the largest amount of the fish quota to the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board to distribute as they felt would be fair to the Baffin communities. I am pleased to report that the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board met recently and they agreed on a fair way of dividing up the quota throughout the region. I understand the board is willing to look at ways of developing opportunities for certain interested communities, where it is appropriate, to become more involved in the fishery now that we have been allocated about 1,500 tonnes throughout the Baffin region.

I believe it will be possible and desirable that plans be developed so that the most possible benefits can flow to our communities. For example, I am very pleased that my own community of Broughton Island is being assisted to consider no less than six possible opportunities which could result in employment and other spin-off benefits from the fisheries in that community. One of the most interesting ideas they have come up with is to use the excellent harbour in Broughton Island to establish a public cold storage facility. Using surplus buildings from a nearby DEW Line site, this storage space would be very handy for vessels fishing in the area.

Mr. Speaker, I am seeking unanimous consent to continue with my statement.

The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They could unload the fish at Broughton Island for shipment to the fish plant in Pangnirtung or shipment south. There might also be the possibility of resupplying the fishing vessels when they come in to unload their product. This opportunity could create desperately-needed local jobs for the constituents of Broughton Island. I also know there are plans to pursue additional Atlantic groundfish quotas from the Canadian competitive quota in area OA north of Cape Dyer. These waters lie alongside my constituency. If we could get a quota from those waters given to us, it would present a splendid opportunity for my home community of Clyde River to become involved.

I am encouraged that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' officials have apparently been very encouraging about the idea of exploratory fishing being granted for these waters next to my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to conclude by saying that I am very grateful that my constituents have the benefit of the full and active support of Baffin MLAs and the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Minister of Renewable Resources and Economic Development and Tourism, for these important initiatives to create jobs and economic opportunities for my constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. I would like to thank you for your kind words. I was a little worried about whether I was dressed all right. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the past several weeks, I have been given unsolicited advice and supposed inside information on a range of different items. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the calls I receive from the different areas of the NWT but I want to say, for the record, that, unless the letters are signed and phone messages et cetera have a contact number of the person making said allegation or providing the unsolicited advice, there is little I can do with this information.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, we live in a democracy. Canada and the NWT are not communists, fascists, totalitarians or dictatorships. It is not a place where we partake in witch hunts or vendettas. I will act on information that is signed, but because we don't have an ombudsman's office or a similar mechanism and because we don't have party politics, it becomes very difficult in handling complaints.

For the record, I take this role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the NWT very seriously. Integrity, Mr. Speaker, has to be first and foremost in our dealings within the role that we participate. I will continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability and I appreciate any signed and, as aforementioned, personally identified messages received. I will act on them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to advise the House that I will be absent from the House tomorrow. I will be attending the high school graduation of the students of Baker Lake. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ootes on May 14th regarding rates of pay for student summer employment.

The GNWT is only able to institute a new student summer wage rate through the collective bargaining process with the union. As I mentioned the other day, we did, in fact, put forth a proposal for new student rates with the union in our most recent round of collective bargaining. However, agreement on this issue was not reached.

The GNWT does not have a specific student hiring program. Students access jobs through the casual employment program. Although there is no centralized database regarding the number of potential student job opportunities, the Personnel Secretariat has informed us that approximately 72 students have been hired in headquarters as of May 14, 1996. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Picco on March 27th, regarding the transfer of staff housing to the NWT Housing Corporation.

In June 1995, PW&S transferred the administration of the staff housing inventory, including lease administration for leased units and for unit allocations, to the Housing Corporation. On April 1, 1996, the NWT Housing Corporation assumed maintenance responsibilities which will be carried out in most cases by local housing organizations. In some communities, the maintenance function will be contracted out.

The Member is correct in saying that most LHOs will now manage these properties. However, the Financial Management Board Secretariat retains the policy and program approval responsibilities over the GNWT's staff housing program. In effect, the corporation and the LHOs are acting as a contractor to the FMBS, to deliver staff housing based upon FMBS's guidelines and policies. Therefore, the budget for this program will be kept separate from the social housing budget, and the by-laws and guidelines governing social housing program delivery will not apply to staff housing.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mrs. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen on May 8, 1996, on the GNWT position on transfers of program and facilities to municipalities.

The Member is correct in her statement that, under the community transfer process, the government agreed to work with municipal councils, band councils, community corporations and Metis locals in whatever way the community decided it wanted to approach transfers.

Under the community empowerment initiative, we will be talking to communities about how they might decide the kind of governing structure which best suits their particular and unique needs.

The government prefers to deal with a single community governing or administrative organization which is accountable to all residents of the community. In Nunavut communities, this will, in all probability, be the municipal government.

In the West, community governance is a little more complicated. It is the community residents, not the central government, that must decide how the community can best be served. If it is a community's wish that the government enter into transfer arrangements directly with a community council, band council, community corporation or Metis local; the government will consider ways to do so. It will be the challenge of community residents and their governing organizations to develop community consensus on these matters. The government can then respond. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have another one.

Continue.

I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Roland on May 13, 1996, on community funding for 1996-97.

'The Member asked what reductions had taken place in taxation areas. I believe he was referring to municipal taxation areas, meaning the city, towns and villages.

There has been no reduction to the equalization grants budgets for tax-based communities. These communities will be affected, as all other communities, by program reductions such as the reform of the water and sewage services subsidy and capital budget reductions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Miltenberger on May 3, 1996, regarding administration of staff appeals.

On May 3, 1996, staffing authority was delegated to the following departments: Health and Social Services; Justice; Transportation; Executive; Financial Management Board Secretariat; Education, Culture and Employment; Municipal and Community Affairs; Legislative Assembly, and, Public Works and Services.

The remaining departments will receive staffing authority once their staff have been trained. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I very rarely do this, but I have a unique opportunity this afternoon to introduce to everyone in this House -- my favourite CBC reporter -- Ian Hanna's parents.

--- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to welcome to the gallery today, John Parker, the superintendent of Economic Development and Tourism for the Baffin; and Dave Monteith, a long-time Baffin resident, supervisor for parks for Economic Development and Tourism.

--- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of ED&T. It relates to the Minister's statement today regarding the western tour of the 24 international trade representatives. Mr. Speaker, I note that the tour operators are visiting western communities only. Can the Minister advise this House why no communities in Nunavut are involved in this tour? After all, we in Nunavut also have a need to access such high visibility. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm where this show will originate next year?

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Item 6, oral questions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister agree to try to encourage that the East would be involved in this show next year? Thank you.

Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in my Member's statement regarding the residents of the NWT travelling to southern jurisdictions and coming back to the NWT after three months and being unable to find any jobs or income and being denied social assistance by the system, I didn't realize that my colleague asked the same question yesterday. I was out of the House at an interview.

On page 857 of the unedited Hansard, the Minister of Education, Culture and Communications has a response: "The department is very careful to ensure that nobody is going hungry or being forced to sleep on the street. The full services of the department are available only to residents.'

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

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a document here from the Yellowknife Women's Centre regarding five complaints coming from individuals who came from outside of the jurisdiction who have lived here a long time, come back and been denied social assistance until they have lived here for three months. Mr. Speaker, are we denying people help when they need social assistance? Why are we denying these people assistance? Thank you.

Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps the Minister could direct his staff to look into the allegation of denial of social assistance, to ensure that the rights of these individuals weren't infringed upon. Perhaps he could direct his staff to communicate with the Yellowknife Women's Centre. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Dent.

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Transportation. The Minister has heard my Member's statement today. I would like to ask him if he could recommend to me how I should go about seeking improvements for airline flights between the traditionally-linked communities of Repulse Bay, Pelly Bay and Igloolik. Thank you.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the honourable Member that this government is not directly involved, at any level, with the scheduling of routes and flights of air carriers. The air carriers themselves -- in this case, Calm Air, First Air and Skyward -deliver air services on a commercial basis. If the traffic warrants it and passengers and freight on a particular route is enough to pay for services, the carriers are likely to offer that service in this area. In this case, the carriers may not know that a potential for a new market exists in this particular area.

The proposed Repulse Bay, Pelly Bay and Igloolik route is interesting because the three communities are located in three different regions. I would like to recommend that the three municipalities inform the different air carriers and see if their carrier is interested in introducing this service. The important point is that the carriers and passengers should start talking to one another about this service they want. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Mr. Antoine.

Yes, the Department of Transportation and its regional staff, Mr. Speaker, could certainly help by letting the municipalities know the regional carriers might offer the service or to let the regional carriers know of the three communities interested in the route of service. Thank you.

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would it be possible to assess the feasibility of having the airlines provide direct links between Repulse Bay, Igloolik and Pelly Bay?

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this government is not involved in scheduling flights, and directing the routes is a commercial venture. The Department of Transportation is willing to work with the three communities in contacting the three airlines to see if we could get some dialogue going. Perhaps, in that way, we could generate some discussion and perhaps develop some sort of a route in that area. Thank you.

Thank you. I would like to recognize a former Member and a former federal MP, Mr. Dave Nickerson.

--- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister responsible for Safety and Public Services, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the honourable Member for Inuvik for representing the department in their presentation to the subcommittee on Health in Ottawa, on our behalf.

Mr. Speaker, I've been informed by the department that the private Member's Bill C-222 would require health warning labels be placed on all alcohol beverage containers sold in Canada. This particular bill has been moved back from the subcommittee into the Standing Committee on Health. The subcommittee has withdrawn this bill for consideration by the subcommittee, and has further recommended that instead the standing committee consider both this bill and another bigger bill which they are contemplating.

They would like to consider the bill in the context of its study of Canada's drug policy, with particular attention to the effective means of increasing awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome. As a result of this motion, Bill C-222 is buried deep in another process and there will be no vote at the committee stage. With the number of issues that this committee, on the study of drug policy, will cover, most of the observers consider that this subcommittee motion is a way of not dealing with the bill, without ever having the committee Members or MPs taking a position on it. Thank you.

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

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cabinet is supportive of the initiative of putting health warning labels on the liquor containers in the Northwest Territories and will continue to do so. We've also taken the position to support the private Member's Bill C-222. The bill will not be reported back to the House of Commons prior to the summer recess. Instead, it will be considered as part of a much larger study that the standing committee has been planning to undertake regarding Canada's drug policy. They are developing a plan on how to deal with it.

To date, there's no plan, per se, on how the committee is going to carry out its comprehensive review of the national drug policy. It's possible the committee may agree to travel, and it could be invited to hearings in different parts of the country, including the Northwest Territories. This would provide an opportunity for us, the Government of the Northwest Territories, to provide additional input; not only about warning labels, but other aspects of drug and alcohol problems and programs in the Northwest Territories.

Upon learning of these developments, as the Minister of Safety and Public Services, I have written to the Minister of Health to initiate discussion regarding how we can best provide input into this process. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland, supplementary.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During the whole debate on the private Member's bill, I understand there"s a lot of opposition to placing health warning labels on containers by the liquor industry. It's a massive, powerful lobby and they've done their work well. In Ottawa, they have a lot of misinformation and different types of information, including what the honourable Member has mentioned regarding consuming a small amount of alcohol is good for you. This is one of the studies which has just come out. The results of the study are very questionable. This is an example of the type of lobbying which is being done in opposition to this private Member's bill. Thank you.

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

I would like to remind the Member the process is still in the courts. This Assembly cannot deal with an issue which is still before the courts. I must rule your question out of order.

--- Ruled Out of Order

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate Mr. Steen for his attempt yesterday to suspend applications for the business incentive policy. However, since I called earlier this week for a review of this and other policies, I would rather think we could update and fine tune this policy. We may be able to achieve a better result. I believe this policy can still be used but we must get rid of the abuse which has taken place with this policy.

If we were to concentrate our efforts on the smaller communities and the potential growth that can be achieved in these communities, I think the policy could work better. One idea might be to localize the policy. If a community, through its local contractors, is allowed under the BIP a chance to bid on the contract without the worry of outside contractors under cutting prices. This would encourage growth in the community and, at the same time, benefit local business and possibly government by creating more local jobs, which would mean a reduction in social services. If they were to do a review of this policy, we could come up with something better.

My question to the honourable Minister of Public Works and Services: Will the Minister commit today to do a review of this policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Rabesca.

I take it that the Minister responsible for Public Works and Services is saying yes; so if that's the case, I was wondering what time frame the Minister would consider to review this policy.

Mr. Kakfwi.