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

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, health and hospital boards face tremendous challenges to identify ways to save this government money. A reduction of $9.25 million in funding to the eight health and hospital boards is projected over the next two years. This is slightly less than a 10 per cent reduction in the funding provided to the boards through the territorial health insured services activity over the next year.

Mr. Speaker, I met with representatives from the health and hospital boards in February to discuss their reduction targets and ask them to develop submissions to the department to identify proposed reductions using broad guidelines. These guidelines required that impact on programs and services be minimized; access to health care services be maintained; government policy was complied with; reductions did not simply shift the burden to others; and, plans were consistent with community wellness, prevention and health promotion strategies.

The department has reviewed all submissions from boards to ensure they meet the guidelines. Mr. Speaker, in mid-April, the department provided the feedback to the boards, advising which of the proposed reductions were consistent with this government's directions and priorities and which reductions either required further explanation or simply could not be supported.

Departmental officials have been working with the boards to resolve issues surrounding reductions that have not been supported or to assist in identifying others.

In the meantime, boards have been encouraged to begin implementing reduction initiatives that are consistent with this government's direction. Mr. Speaker, this process will take more than one year; next year boards will face further challenges.

This will mean changes in the way some services are provided. However, residents will continue to have access to the health care services they require. I ask that all MLAs support the boards as partners in the government's effort to meet the current fiscal demands.

Mr. Speaker, only through collaboration and partnerships do we have an opportunity to meet these challenges creatively and improve client care as we move towards operating more efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Public Works and Services has always been a major contributor to business development in the Northwest Territories as it carries out its responsibilities for capital project management and government purchasing. However, it has even greater potential for promoting business development through the continuing devolution of responsibilities to the private sector for providing petroleum products to communities. This will be one of the government's continuing priorities with a goal of privatizing as much as possible in time for the 1997-98 transportation season.

Over the years, the GNWT has made a conscious effort to increase private sector involvement in community fuel supply and delivery. The next step in the move towards fully privatizing this service across the Northwest Territories is to restore health to the petroleum products revolving fund. At the moment, the $50 million business is in financial difficulty. The accumulated deficit for the petroleum products revolving fund has increased to $2.7 million this year. Obviously, the first step in promoting this as a viable economic opportunity is to balance the budget.

Two recent initiatives by the department should help us to achieve that objective by the end of 1996-97. The first was an award in early April to the Northern Transportation Company Ltd. for the Eastern Arctic fuel resupply. For the first time, a northern carrier will be responsible for obtaining petroleum products and delivering them to all the communities of the Eastern Arctic. This award is expected to save $1.5 million over the three years of the contract. Negotiations are under way separately for the Iqaluit fuel resupply which is expected to achieve additional cost savings. I will report to the Members of this House when the award is finalized.

The second initiative on the road to fiscal health for this important program was the award on April 24, 1996, of the Western Arctic fuel resupply. A contract was awarded to Imperial Oil Ltd. to supply fuel to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation in the Kitikmeot and Inuvik regions for three years and to the Government of the Northwest Territories which, in turn, sells the fuel to customers in the communities, including businesses, private consumers, municipal governments and housing associations.

This is the first time the western fuel resupply contract has been awarded as a result of the competitive process. Previously, all Western Arctic fuel was purchased from Imperial Oil's refinery at Norman Wells through a negotiated agreement. While we were not able to negotiate a contract with Imperial Oil out of its Norman Wells refinery, the government decided to proceed with a call for proposals to get the best possible deal on the fuel resupply. Imperial Oil's proposal to deliver fuel to Hay River by rail achieved those objectives. This arrangement will save $2.8 million over three years through a contract with Imperial Oil Ltd. for the provision of the fuel products and a contract with the Northern Transportation Company Ltd. for delivery. The Northern Transportation Company Ltd. contract will strengthen the marine transportation option in the Western Arctic and stabilize freight rates for all cargo in 1996.

An unfortunate outcome of this award is that it might be necessary for Imperial Oil Ltd. to close down their refinery portion of their Norman Wells operation. However, in view of the obvious benefits to all Western Arctic residents of stabilized fuel prices, it is clear that the economic benefits offset the negative impacts on the community of Norman Wells.

Mr. Speaker, these awards should allow us to deal with some long-standing financial problems and promote this privatization initiative as a solid economic opportunity that could have considerable benefits to our business sector. I will be approaching the Standing Committee on Infrastructure to provide them with the privatization plan for the petroleum products division within the next two months. In the meantime, I am confident that these recent awards will result in a stable supply of petroleum products at a price which northerners can afford.

The next step in the department's efforts to enhance private sector capability, is the proposed privatization of the systems and communications division in Yellowknife. I will be coming forward in the near future, Mr. Speaker, to provide more details on that initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wanted to talk about Emergency Preparedness Week. I am pleased to advise this House that I have proclaimed the week of May 6th to 12th as Emergency Preparedness Week in the Northwest Territories. This proclamation coincides with a national initiative announced by the Honourable David Collenette, Minister of National Defence and Minister responsible for Emergency Preparedness.

The federal government has joined with the provincial and territorial emergency measure organizations, to encourage all individuals, families and community organizations, to prepare themselves for emergencies which may affect them. Everyone in the Northwest Territories must take responsibility for their own well-being, and join with their community government and the Government of the Northwest Territories, to minimize the risk to people, property and the environment when emergency situations occur.

Mr. Speaker, it is timely this week has been proclaimed Emergency Preparedness Week. The annual spring break-up of our rivers has commenced in the Western Arctic. Several of our western communities face an annual alert at this time of year, as there is always a risk of flooding that accompanies break-up.

Last year's forest fires taught us the value of planning for quick response. The forest fire season is fast approaching, and Emergency Preparedness Week is our opportunity to prepare for such threats again this summer. In the East, the warm weather and long days see more people travelling on the land and the weather can change very quickly, increasing the risks of people becoming stranded. Again, planning and preparations allow quick and effective responses to be mounted to rescue stranded parties.

Mr. Speaker, the foundation of effective emergency preparedness is proper planning, our emphasis must continue to be on prevention. In the Eastern Arctic, as I mentioned, search and rescue is one of the emergencies most likely to occur. Individuals can take steps to minimize risk and, at the same time, aid searches in finding them quickly. Using proper care and caution, being adequately equipped and telling someone your travel plans will help to reduce the number of searches and the length of time required to find a missing person.

We all have important roles to play when our personal safety and property are at risk. We must not forget that responsibility for emergency preparedness begins with each individual and household.

As Minister responsible for civil emergency measures, I join the federal government in encouraging all northerners to mark Emergency Preparedness Week by taking the time to inform themselves on how they can help safeguard themselves, their families and their communities before, during and after a disaster strikes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have another Minister's statement, if that's okay.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate three northern athletes on their recent achievements in competitions at the national level.

Jeremy Jaud is a competitive swimmer from Yellowknife who has just completed his first year at the University of Victoria. A former member of the Yellowknife Polar Bear Swim Club, Jeremy received a swimming scholarship to Manitoba in 1994-95. This past year, he moved to the University of Victoria where he has been training six days a week for a chance to become a member of the national swim team and to qualify for the Canadian Olympic swim team.

At the Canadian Olympic swimming trials held in Montreal, March 30th to April 4th, Jeremy reached the finals and placed seventh in the 200-metre individual medley and 10th in the 100-metre breast-stroke. Joining the finals in the 200-metre breast-stroke means that he has three other chances to reach the Olympic qualifying time, in meets coming up in Phoenix, Vancouver and North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, this is the first time an NWT athlete has qualified for a final in an Olympic trial in nearly 20 years. Our last Olympic athletes were, of course, Shirley and Sharon Firth in cross-country skiing.

The second of our northern athletes is Justin Brown, a 16-year-old wrestler who attends St. Patrick's High School here in Yellowknife. After earning three silver medals at the Arctic Winter Games in March, Justin won a bronze medal in the 46-kilogram division at the national junior wrestling championships held in Regina in April.

Justin is described by his coaches as a mature athlete, who is dedicated to his sport and has a strong work ethic. His coaches believe that Justin has the potential to make the national team some day.

A final athlete, David McCann, is a short-track speedskater and a grade 12 student from Yellowknife. He attends school at the National Sport School in Calgary, and trains at the Olympic oval. David skated previously for the Yellowknife Speedskating Club and had impressive performances competing for the NWT at the 1994 and 1996 Arctic Winter Games.

In the Canadian short-track speedskating championships in Red Deer, March 29th to 31th, David placed first overall in the intermediate men's category. A week later, he received a bronze medal in the 1,500 metre finals and the 777-metre event at the North American championships held in Calgary. He was also fourth in the 1,000 metre and fifth in the 3,000 metre at this competition.

Mr. Speaker, it is not often that athletes from the Northwest Territories achieve such significant results in the sporting world. While our aim should always be to promote a broad base of participation in sport, we should recognize the dedication and hard work of these three athletes in pursuing their goals in sport; to be the best they can at national and international levels.

Mr. Speaker, all NWT residents can be proud of the accomplishments of Jeremy Jaud, Justin Brown and David McCann. I am sure Members will join me in congratulating them on their success, and wishing them the best of luck in their future endeavours. Thank you.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that communities across the Northwest Territories need more adequate, suitable and affordable housing. The housing shortage affects people of all ages, but elders require our special attention.

Mr. Speaker, seniors want to stay in their own communities and live on their own for as long as possible. For this reason, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation have signed off the seniors' independent housing strategy.

The NWT Seniors' Advisory Council has provided valuable advice in the development of the strategy. This helped ensure that expressed needs of seniors were heard and given proper consideration.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to recognize the president of the NWT Seniors' Advisory Council, Mrs. Esther Braden, who has joined us in the gallery today. Also with her is Mr. Pete Fraser, a former Member of this House and the NWT/Yukon representative of the National Advisory Council on Aging; and, Ms. Barb Bond, the executive director of the Seniors' Advisory Council recognize them.

--- Applause

I would ask you to the strategy includes the following elements: The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has committed $3 million in funding for this program in the 1996-97 fiscal year; once seniors' independent housing units are built, they become part of the community's overall social housing portfolio, but will be reserved for seniors only; the local housing organization will handle the allocation, administration, operation and maintenance of seniors' independent housing units in their community.

Mr. Speaker, the goal of this strategy is to help seniors keep their independence. The Department of Health and Social Services will ensure that links exist with other programs such as home care and homemakers' services.

Even with this commitment, it will take a number of years to address the shortage of housing for seniors. To ensure communities in the greatest need are served first, the Department of Health and Social Services has developed criteria to allocate seniors' independent housing units by community. Mr. Speaker, this strategy is a major component of a comprehensive program intended to provide a continuum of care for seniors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate all participants of the super soccer tournament that was held here in Yellowknife this weekend. The tournament was very well attended, with 1,400 students participating. I would especially like to congratulate teams from my constituency: the 20-and- under boys from the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School for the championship. The tournament was hard fought, but they were able to hold out and win. Other teams from my constituency also did very well and were able to place first, second, third in all age groups.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the organizing committee for the job well done. I hope this type of event can continue for years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on behalf of senior citizens of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, these valued members of our society are having a very difficult time financially, especially in the more remote communities. I am told by Mrs. Esther Braden, president of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society, that the subject of high cost of living for seniors is discussed at every meeting of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Advisory Council, and that representatives of my constituency -- Mr. Abe Okpik of Iqaluit; Mr. Mariano Aupilardjuk of Rankin Inlet; and, Mr. George Porter of Gjoa Haven -- all have spoken eloquently of the difficult situation being faced by the seniors in their communities, where often they are expected to try to support members of their extended families as well.

I am pleased that Mrs. Braden is in the Assembly today.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories pays a monthly supplement on the monthly old-age pension cheque which comes from the Government of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories seniors' supplement amounts to $135 per month today. That amount was last increased from $125 in November 1992. Since November 1992, Mr. Speaker, the consumer price index for Yellowknife has gone up by seven per cent. Although it is not measured in my riding, I believe that the cost of living has gone up much higher than seven per cent in the last three and a half years in Pangnirtung, Broughton Island and Clyde River. We do know that the isolated post allowance paid to federal employees working in Pangnirtung, Broughton Island or Clyde River, which is based on the cost of living differences between Yellowknife and those communities, is 27 per cent higher in my riding.

Mr. Speaker, I was very encouraged when the Minister of Finance, Honourable John Todd, stated in this Assembly on December 14, 1995 ... Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Baffin Central is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. ..."We cannot abandon support to those most in need." The monthly supplement from the NWT government is paid to people on the old-age pension who get the guaranteed income supplement or whose husband or wife has died. These are the less well off of our senior citizens in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I suggest that we should carefully review the adequacy of the territorial seniors' supplement. By my calculations, if we were to keep up with the cost of living increases in Yellowknife alone, which have been seven per cent since the supplement was last reviewed, the monthly supplement should be increased by about $10 a month, to $145.

Mr. Speaker, I know we are facing reductions in our spending in the coming year; however, as the Premier stated in his address on the Agenda for Change last week in this Assembly: "poor social conditions mean hardship for a lot of people in the Northwest Territories." Although it will not be easy for us to do, Mr. Speaker, as I well know, as our Premier said in his address last week: "We must improve social conditions." Mr. Speaker, I suggest we start by looking at the monthly pension supplement for the most valued and respected members of our society: our senior citizens, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Hear! Hear!

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Society for the recent opening of the expansion to the museum. which I had the pleasure of attending.

Iqaluit is more fortunate than most communities in the Northwest Territories. We have had an active museum society in our community for over 25 years, which has been driven by the strong efforts of volunteers.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Society was formed in 1969 by a group of local residents, including Joanasie Salamonie, Anne Mikijuk Hanson, Gordon Rennie and Tom and Helen Webster, who were committed to the preservation and enhancement of Inuit cultural artifacts. The society was formed in direct response to a donation of Inuit sculptures and artifacts from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. The collection was initially kept in storage for lack of facility and funds.

However, in 1970, when Queen Elizabeth visited Iqaluit, the society installed an exhibition in the new library building, which was then still empty. That was a great success and from that point on, volunteers made continuing efforts to secure a building and, in the meantime, exhibits were displayed in spaces around town.

In 1976, the Northern Heritage Centre was being built. Arguing that a secure storage space was required to protect the collection, some government personnel threatened to take the collection to an exhibit in the new facility in Yellowknife.

The Iqaluit museum society's collection remained in Iqaluit, however, due to fortuitous circumstances. In 1976, the Iqaluit liquor store was closed to over-the-counter sales by public petition. As a result, the liquor store space became available to house and protect the collection.

At this time, with help from the Northern Heritage Centre's professional staff, the museum's collection was catalogued by volunteers, as the exhibits were installed in the new facility. Visits from school children and tourists were also arranged by volunteers from the community.

Mr. Speaker, the collection has always received proper care from the staff at the museum. Standard museum practices are maintained. The local society has worked extremely hard for over 25 years to ensure that the operation of the museum is funded and the exhibits, programs and research is always continuing.

I would like to congratulate the many volunteers in Iqaluit who have made the museum a success over the years. I congratulate long-time employee, Jimmy Ekho, and Iqaluit elders who continue the tradition of active participation with the museum society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the hunters and trappers in the Kivallivik region were very disappointed that the government had eliminated the subsidy previously paid for wolf pelts.

As we all know, wolf harvesting is hardly a multi-million dollar industry in our region at the best of times. This decision caused great concern for my communities. As a result, I have had several subsequent discussions with Minister Kakfwi concerning this matter on behalf of my constituents.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to confirm that Minister Kakfwi advised me that his department will be providing a supplementary payment to wolf harvesters for the 1995-96 season.

Hear! Hear!

Thank you, Mr. Picco.

--- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Renewable Resources will also be conducting a full review and evaluation of the industry when the trapping season ends this year.

In addition, the Minister's department is planning a series of community workshops on wolf-pelt preparation in the Keewatin region this fall. Mr. Speaker, during these days when cutbacks and limited resources are foremost in everyone's mind, it is refreshing to my constituents in Arviat and Baker Lake to hear such encouraging news.

Minister Kakfwi is to be congratulated, first, for listening to the very real concerns expressed by the hunters and, second, for approaching this matter with a degree of optimism. Mr. Speaker, the Minister's approach to this matter reminded me of the definition of an optimist. An optimist is a person who is treed by a bear and enjoys the view.

So on behalf of the harvesters, I would like to thank the honourable Minister for being able to keep the relatively little guys like hunters and trappers in his range of vision as he views the general direction of his departments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Matna. Mahsi cho.

--- Applause

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

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

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

Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Conclude your statement, Mrs. Groenewegen.

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

Shame. Shame.

Hear! Hear!

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. 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. Roland on May 3rd, with respect to the responsibility for tax increases for education.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned last week in the House, the Financial Management Board approved a 10 per cent increase in education taxes in all tax-based municipalities except Yellowknife. In addition, the board approved an increase in general property and education tax rates of 10 per cent in the general taxation area, which consists of those areas outside tax-based municipalities.

GNWT property tax rates are set through an establishment order. Each year, they are reviewed by the Department of Finance and recommendations are made to the Minister of Finance and to the Financial Management Board. This year, the Financial Management Board decided to increase GNWT property taxes because they have not kept pace with inflation over the last 30 years. In fact, even after this change, mill rates will have only increased by 33 per cent since 1967 when property rates were instituted. During the same period, the Canadian consumer price index increased by 390 per cent.

Letters notifying tax-based municipalities of the new education mill rates will be sent out shortly. It is projected that the combination of the general property tax and education tax increases will raise $575,000 in 1996-97. The additional revenues are included in the main estimates. However, property tax revenues are projected to be only $79,000 higher than in 1995-96, because 1995-96 revenues were abnormally high. This was as a result of the effort by our government which resulted in the federal government paying about $550,000 in grants-in-lieu of taxes that were owed from previous years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Don Ellis in the gallery today. Don has returned to Yellowknife as the assistant deputy minister of the Department of Health and Social Services. Don, his wife and family used to live in Yellowknife, and we are glad he has returned to his senses and returned home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a former Member of this House, a respected elder from my riding of Tu Nedhe, from Fort Resolution, Pete Fraser. Thank you.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize Mr. Pete Frazer who is also, as I indicated earlier, the NWT/Yukon representative of the National Advisory Council on Aging. Of course, as I indicated, Mrs. Esther Braden, president; and Ms. Barb Bond, executive director of the NWT's advisory council. Thank you.

--- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in article 24 of the Nunavut final agreement ... Mr. Speaker, I'll start again. Article 24 of the Nunavut final agreement is of critical importance to all residents of Nunavut. I understood that an announcement was to be made today on this topic. I am disappointed that one was not presented by the government. Can the Deputy Premier advise me when this government will finally announce its response to article 24 and how it plans to implement the spirit and intent of the article? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I informed the House last week that we would be announcing the policy this week, but I had also made a commitment to Nunavut Caucus that I would brief them fully before I proceeded. The briefing to Nunavut Caucus will be this evening and the government will be making its announcement on article 24.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on May 1, 1996, 1 asked the Premier if he would consider publishing a list of contracts which are sole-source. The Premier replied, and I quote from the unedited Hansard: "We already have and we do table all sole-source contracts and negotiated contracts." I have had the opportunity to review the list of tabled documents since 1991 and have been unable to find this document which lists all sole-source contracts. Would the Premier please inform this House as to whether or not the government does, in fact, regularly table all sole-source contracts and negotiated contracts? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Premier, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that we have always tabled all negotiated contracts as well as sole-source contracts in this House. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can't find them. The accountability of government to the public when spending funds must be visible. Publishing a list of sole-source/negotiated contracts would provide accountability and ensure that the public money is being spent in a manner that is in the public interest. Would the Premier be willing to publish a list of contracts and ensure that this document is indeed tabled in the House? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to hear that it will be tabled and the public will be able to see. Can I ask the Minister when he expects this to happen?

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was my understanding we had done it previously on an annual basis and we will continue to do that on an annual basis. Thank you.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Picco.

As I said, Mr. Speaker, I have spent quite a few hours in the library looking for the documents, and I went back to 1991 and I couldn't find this annual report. Maybe the Minister could tell me what the report is called so I can find it and look for it. It hasn't been tabled as far as I could see.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It will be a pleasure for me to help Mr. Picco find those documents, and we will table them in the future on an annual basis. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Tl'oondih operation has developed very recently. As I believe I had indicated earlier in this House, there was a meeting of all operators, executive directors and board directors of the alcohol and drug treatment facilities from throughout the Northwest Territories a few weeks ago to discuss the very issue of how they would be funded in the future, how they would determine their programs to not compete directly with each other if at all possible, how to stop the leakage of dollars going to southern treatment centres so we can expand the services and facilities we have in the North to better accommodate our residents. What I would like to do is a get a detailed briefing on what took place during those discussions -- in which the operators of Tl'oondih were also present -- before I advise the Member on the direction that we're heading. But, generally, I can say that, within a few years, we're heading towards a per them payment to all treatment facilities. That was something that was, to my understanding, agreed upon at that meeting by all operators. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as it stands now, I don't believe so because there is no significant capital investment on the part of this government in the Tl'oondih operation. The other alcohol and drug treatment centres have had significant contributions from this government, so we have a responsibility to provide some core funding to them to provide services. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we believe we've treated them fairly and we have negotiated a per them rate based on the projected clients who would go through the system to assist in covering off some of their costs. You have to determine what costs you are trying to cover off. We can't expect, as a government, to return all their capital investment of that operation in a relatively short time period when they have made a significant investment in that facility. We can expect to give them some form of return, but it is a matter of what is seen as satisfactory. As it stands now, we think there is a fair rate that has been put forward and negotiated. It continues to be discussed with their operators. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

There was no question there. I would like to remind the Members that they have a preamble and their questions follow that. Members have a preamble and four questions. There shouldn't be continuous preamble, clarification of preamble, followed by preamble and then questions following that. We only have one hour and I would like to give every Member an opportunity. If Members keep repeating their preambles, there will be less questions asked by Members. There was no question there. Mr. Krutko.

Point Of Order

That is a hypothetical question. I don't know how the Minister can respond. Would you like to respond, Mr. Ng?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would respond by saying that we have tried to accommodate the Tl'oondih operation by negotiating a fair per them that would assist them towards their operational costs and there continues to be ongoing negotiations to further expand some of the services they may be able to offer, so we can hopefully increase the clients and the funding that would go towards their operation. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

The Minister of Renewable Resources, Minister Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Steen.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Joe Ohokannoak, Guy Alikut and Kenn Harper.

Supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NIC reports as a collective group, but they don't report as individuals. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Steen.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that all the costs are associated with the federal government and they pick up the cost.